Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Picture yourself in a peaceful garden setting, with classical music playing in the background. You are welcomed with a "Martini Jalapeño." This was the setting for the April 12, 2011 fundraising event for Biblioteca Los Mangos held at Café des Artistes.

With two separate seating times, guests were treated to an ambrosial dinner of Smoked Pork, Salmon Carpacchio, Thai Tuna, White Tomato Soup, Short Ribs with cous cous and a savory Strawberry and Lychee Ice Cream for dessert, along with red or white wine.

Chef Thierry Blouet graciously mingled with the vast array of guests who kindly support the library. The event was coordinated to take place during the "Letras del Mar" program, which was an extremely successful cultural event that brought distinguished, well known authors and poets from as far away as Sweden and Uruguay - many of whom were in attendance at Café des Artistes.

Mozart, Vivaldi, Bach and Piazolla drifted in the background, provided by members of the new Youth Orchestra of Puerto Vallarta playing the cello, clarinet and flute.

The total amount raised for Los Mangos was $48,000 pesos. This is much needed revenue as Biblioteca Los Mangos struggles to keep its head above water financially. The library is not "just a library" but a true cultural center.

Hats off to Maria Jose Zorrilla and Ricardo Murietta for their hard work and organizational efforts!

As we move in to the "slow season" the library needs your support! Watch for various upcoming activities and fundraisers to be held over the summer months. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Pamela Thompson at 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 or send an email to blm(at)prodigy.net.mx. For updated information on Los Mangos and library activities, please visit biblioteca-los-mangos.blogspot.com.