Months of planning, hundreds of emails and phone calls, designing, organizing, worrying and requesting, January 28th arrived and the annual Los Mangos Library Subasta was ready to roll. (Well, almost ready to roll – a few glitches at the last minute but the doors only opened 8 minutes late!)

The Subasta (which means auction) is the annual event for Los Mangos Library and, as well, the largest for this local cultural and community center. The coffers were pretty darned low these past months for numerous reasons.

The economy itself, which means many fewer donations, the lack of support by the local government, and tourism down some this year all combine to make it a continual struggle to keep the doors of the library open to the local community.

But spirits were high the evening of the 28th as nearly 400 people turned out in support. Guys on stilts, a piano player on the patio, outside and inside bar, a vast array of fixed priced items and silent auctions along with lovely art made for a delightful evening.

An extensive medley of appetizers provided the nosh along with the specialty drink of the evening, mojitos! Instant raffle winners were content as they opened their envelopes and found "You are a winner! Collect your prize."

Approximately $250,000 pesos were raised! Hurray! A large part of the success was due to the fact that food, beverages and items were donated, which is the all important key to any fundraiser. As little cash going out as possible!

One of the keys as well, were the dedicated (and new!) volunteers that gave their time and energy in not only the planning, but actually "working the event."

There are far, far too many people and businesses to thank in this brief article. An enormous thank you to one and all who participated!

The amount raised was just about equal to the amount raised last year. We are thrilled with this amount, considering the state of the economy. But, we do not have time to rest and relax. We must move forward in search of other means to keep Los Mangos up and running so that all of the people of the Puerto Vallarta area are able to enjoy all of the programs offered, from the Children’s Library to cultural events. Please do contact us if you are interested in pursuing and participating in other fundraisers!

UPCOMING:

February 19, 2011 – 10 am until 2 pm Stop by and see us at the Farmers' Market and receive your "Express Library Card." We understand that it’s pretty complicated to apply and receive a library card at the Library. So, we have created a way for you to do it quite easily! Just bring a copy of your FM3/ID. Simple! Did you know that Los Mangos Library has an immense selection of English books. From biographies to best-sellers!

February 25-27, 2010 – Puerto Vallarta Writer’s Conference. This year’s conference is shaping up to be outstanding! The organizers are working closely with Los Mangos in order for the library to benefit. On February 27, 2010 there will be a BookFest! For more details, click HERE or visit the Puerto-Vallarta-Writers-Group.com website.

For further information, please contact pamela(at)healthcareresourcespv.com.

Biblioteca Los Mangos is located at Av. Francisco Villa 1001, Col Versalles, Puerto Vallarta. For more information, call (322) 224-9966, send an email to blm(at)prodigy.net.mx or visit blm.org.mx.