Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - It was an evening of glittering gowns, lively entertainment and a culinary feast. The 2018 Becas Ball was recently held at Club Regina in Puerto Vallarta. Over 200 attended the festive event that featured a historical Austrian theme. This fund raising event benefits the non-profit, Becas Vallarta. A school scholarship fund.

The beach resort was transformed into Austria's Schönbrunn Palace. In 1742 it was commissioned by Emperor Leopold I and it was designed by a Baroque architect who received his training in Rome. It was originally an imperial hunting lodge. It eventually grew into the palatial summer residence over the course of the eighteenth century.

For the Becas Ball the Regina's grounds were elegantly decorated and jugglers and stilt walkers made their way through the venue during the cocktail hour. Bartenders were mixing specialty drinks including dark chocolate martinis and basil kiwi cocktails. The music of Johann Strauss, the famous Austrian composer, filled the air.

After about an hour, guests filed into the dining area, where all the tables were decorated with elaborate fresh flower displays, candles and crystal. In keeping with the royal theme, the ladies were crowned as they entered.

Large posters of Austrian royalty Kaiser Franz Josef and Queen Sissi were highlighted. He was emperor of Austria from 1848 to 1916 and king of Hungary from 1867 to 1916. He divided his empire into a dual monarch in which Austria and Hungary coexisted as equal partners. Franz has been described as a gentleman of irresistible charm who loved his wife to a degree that bordered on infatuation. He had the third longest reign in the history of Europe.

In keeping with the theme, the owner of Puerto Vallarta's only Austrian restaurant, Kaiser Maximilian, named in honor for Fran Joseph's brother Maximilian emperor of Mexico, was consulted for the menu. The four course meal was spectacular, and featured Smoked Trout with Horseradish and Cucumber Salad; Red Cabbage Cream Soup with Potato Dumpling; Roasted Leg of Veal, Spätzle and Vegetables with Mushroom Sauce; and a delicious Linzer Tart with Yogurt Ice Cream

During dinner the show by Farra Group included live music and dancers. A special appearance by Franz and Sissi kicked off the special entertainment. The royal couple took the stage and watched performers from all over the world, by Prana Show. There was a contortionist, crystal ball handlers, a fire dancer and a hoop artist. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display and then it was live music and dancing for all.

Monies raised go to Becas Vallarta, a local non-profit that's Changing Lives Through Education. There are over 400 students in the program that has been assisting children with limited economic resources for over 50 years. Scholarships start during the second year of junior high, runs through senior high and, hopefully, university.

Once a student is accepted into the program, they promise to fund his or her education until the goal is reached, even if the goal is to become a doctor. Tuition is paid along with school uniforms, proper shoes and school supplies such as the notebooks and pencils, pens, etc. that are required.

The student must maintain a grade point average of 8.5, be a good citizen in school and at home, live in Puerto Vallarta and help with events when asked. Becas Vallarta provides the students and their families with a better quality of life so they can become self-sufficient and contribute to the progress of the community.

The 2018 Becas Ball was sponsored by Fours Seasons Hotel & Resorts, Rocco Troyani Signature Events, The Reef Homes by the Sea, Agromod, Oceana Boutique Residences, Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant, Intercam Banco, Anfitriónde México Vinos and Coldwell Banker La Costa Realty.

To learn more about Becas Vallarta, visit BecasVallarta.com.

Open Monday-Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant & Cafe is located at Olas Altas #38B in the Zona Romántica of Puerto Vallarta. For reservations call (322) 223-0760 or visit KaiserMaximilian.com

Click HERE to read more about Kaiser Maximilian.