Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Toys for Tots fund raisers this past weekend were incredibly successful, with attendance up nearly 50% for both the golf tournament on Saturday, December 9 and the gala dinner dance on Sunday, December 10. We now plan to deliver in excess of 5,000 toys and smiles, to needy kids in the Banderas Bay area on Three Kings Day in early January.

The public is encouraged to participate with us, in what is a joyful highlight of the holiday season. Please call the Navy League's Carol Smith at 044-322-137-4902 or Dorothy Piontkowski at 322-209-0064 for details on where and when to join in.

The charity golf tournament was held for the 18th consecutive year at Club Corp's Weiskopf course at Vista Vallarta. We had a near capacity field of 115 golfers, men and women, of widely varying skill levels. Prizes were awarded to Best Team, Worst Team, and everything in between. It was great fun for a great cause. Club Corp provided their beautiful course free of charge, and also generously threw in a delicious Mexican luncheon at the Awards ceremony. They've been a lead sponsor of Toys for Tots since inception 18 years ago. We applaud them!

The following night, the Marriott CasaMagna Resort and Spa in the Marina hosted, also for the 18th consecutive year, a fun-filled dinner/dance in their spacious ballroom. Matching the generosity of ClubCorp, the Marriott picked up the total tab for a gourmet dinner prepared by their award-winning chef, plus wine and other beverages for over 200 guests. A great dance band was provided by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. They were preceded by a children's Mariachi band, who entertained guests for the 3rd consecutive year.

Toys for Tots is organized annually by the local Navy League Council, led this year by Carol Smith of Carol's Boutique fame. The Navy League has been assisted each of the past 18 years by 2 very generous partners, Club Corp and Marriott. Joining them this year were long-time supporters Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Patron Tequila, Honda and many others. What a great credit they are to our community.

Stay tuned for plans for the distribution of toys in early January, after schools reconvene following the Christmas holidays.