Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico - The Jim Ketler Memorial Service Award was given to Ricki Williams during the Club's volunteer appreciation luncheon. This award is given to a member of the Banderas Bay boating community that has displayed positive support and attitudes that are beneficial for the Banderas Bay Area. This is an award for volunteer service to the community and to the Vallarta Yacht Club.

Ricki has served selflessly over the past several years at the VYC as Ashore Activities Director, Commodore, and multi-terms as Vice Commodore. She is a true ambassador of the Yacht Club, representing the ideals of the Club, the ashore entertainment, and the sailing programs and regattas.

For the past three years she has taken the helm for relocating and enlarging the Chili Cook-off to the Taste of Nuevo Vallarta that raises funds for various worthy charities, including the International Friendship Club's Cleft Palate Program and the Vallarta Navy League's Toys for Tots.

In addition to these challenging duties, she leads the efforts to produce the annual VYC Fashion Show that is the sole fundraiser for the Yacht Club itself. In her spare time, Ricki has been involved in raising money for the Banderas Bay Women's Shelter and other charities in the Banderas Bay area.

The name of the award is in memory of one of the founders of the Vallarta Yacht Club, and is a memorial to his desire and drive so support the cruisers and communities that surround Banderas Bay.