Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There is a saying that "Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day" and that held true on March 17 as the International Friendship Club (IFC) held a fiesta to honor the occasion.

St. Patrick's Day is certainly not a traditional Mexican holiday but Mi Pueblito Restaurant at Los Arcos Hotel on Los Muertos Beach put on a great Irish buffet to honor the "Wearing 'O the Green." And lots of green was in sight as the IFC group enjoyed a buffet featuring corned beef and cabbage and a Mulligan Stew among other favorites.

Co-Chairs of this event, Mel Bornstein and Fred Forbes, did some food tastings with the chef at Mi Pueblito trying various recipes until he came up with the mouth-watering Irish favorites that Fred and Mel approved.

Mi Pueblito put on quite a floor show, and although it was lacking the Irish Jig it did feature dances from various Latin countries as well as some exotic dancers performing the Hawaiian Hula. As always, Mi Pueblito featured live music for dancing and IFC members took full advantage. Our IFC member, and volunteer photographer, Bob Davidson caught a number of folks, whether Irish or not, enjoying the festivities.

There were also a number of door prizes awarded and probably the most memorable was when our IFC club president, Mandy MacLeay, won a free membership to the IFC for next year! Well, that's certainly one way to make sure she continues with the amazing work she does for the club!

It was a great evening to have some delicious food, dancing and friendship while knowing we were holding a great fundraising event for the IFC's programs.

No matter how many children are treated, or how many success stories we tell about these beautiful children, there are sad to say always new babies born each year with a cleft lip or palate who continue to join in the program.

If you would like to learn more about the International Friendship Club or its Cleft Palate Program or other charities the IFC helps to support please stop by our clubhouse Monday through Friday from 9 am until 4 pm, give us a call at (322) 222-5466 or visit our website at ifcvallarta.com, where you can learn all about the IFC and its many program and activities. And don't forget to take an IFC Home Tour any Wednesday or Thursday morning where funds support this worthy cause.

The International Friendship Club is a registered charitable organization in Mexico, listed as Club Internacional de la Amistad. It is located at Edificio Parian del Puente #13, Calle Libertad Corner Miramar in downtown Puerto Vallarta. See the IFC website for a map. Phone: (322) 222-5466. Website: ifcvallarta.com. Email: ifcvallarta(at)gmail.com.