Focus on Mexico Blog

The Cruz Roja Picnic, hosted by GIL

On Nov 4, 2006, a group of happy contributors got together on Richard Tingen's property on the lake and danced the afternoon away for the Cruz Roja. Music by Ronnie & The Juniors, lots of food and drink, raffles and a 50-50 giveway (what more could you ask?) and a party for all ages came together for a roaring good time that Saturday. GIL, the Lakeside Realtor's Group, knows how to throw a good party, and this was no exception.

The Maestros del Arte, which runs from November 10-12 this year, is a visual feast for the eyes...so many artesanias, so many friends to meet and greet and so many bargains to be had. We headed to Ajijic early for the amazing gathering of some of Mexico's best artists. Pictured here, Jacobo Angeles Ojeda, an extremely talented young woodcarver of folk art animals and creatures called alebrijes, showing one of his most beautiful pieces.

We like to get there early on the first day of the show to grab some of our favorite pieces, which go fast. And, there's always a line at Jalisco's Centro de Integracion Tapalpa, A.C, a very special school whose children create animals and sculptures of whimsical and imaginative design made of papelmalecho (papier-mache).

All the money raised from the raffle goes to Amor en Accion, Brazos Extendidos AC. (Love in Action, Open Arms A.C.) is this year's recipient of the money raised from the Feria Maestros del Arte raffle. This group provides care for 30 children, 10 of them attend the nearby afternoon elementary school, 4 attend pre-school, 3 attend school for children with special needs, and the smaller children remain at the shelter where they are provided with care and diverse recreational and educational activities.

Bow Wow Chic! The invitation offered a front-row seat at a fashion show. Imagine that! Front row! I'd never been to a fashion show before, much less front-row! Ah yes, I read further...ah yes...I see...of course!

You're invited to the The Lakeside Spay and Neuter A.C.'s annual Doggy Fashion Show.

Well, it's not Paris or even New York, but it was a very chic event indeed, with all in attendance loving their furry friends, wanting them to wear nice clothing and meet the right sort of other little dogs.

The Doggy Fashion Show put on annually by Lakeside Spay and Neuter is an informal but fun event/dinner where mutts or bluebloods "strut their stuff' attired in costumes to reflect their owner's creativity, imagination and/or sense of humor! Costumes for human attendees were optional, but since it was after all April Fool's Day, the human contingent made the most of the occasion too...most capitalizing on a "theme" that complemented or contrasted with "Fido's" fashion statement!

There were the stylish, the bucolic and the Hell's Angel entries all vying for attention on the runway. The dogs and their masters displayed winning moves and everyone in attendance had a great time. The owners and their dogs were all pretty good sports, showing up to "show off" their support for a very worthy cause.

The winner was Vivien Michel and her dog, Daisy Mae McCoy... dressed in oh-so-chic faux leopard-skin with what can only be described as a Lauren Bacall veil...I was SO born in the wrong era. I long for the 40s with those plush muff/handbags and the flirty veils!! Daisy Mae definitely sounds like the name of a Raymond Chandler heroine! Maybe next year it could Film Noir-style Doggy Fashion Show. "Dust off your old fedora, grab your trench coat, break out your Bogey, and call out your Bacall." Okay, I'm getting carried away now...it was just a whole lot of fun, and a great evening was had by all with barbeque, lettuce wraps appetizers, dancing and an auction thrown in for good measure.

And, may I say one word for the seemingly most under-appreciated person there? Before the dinner, a singer by the name of Jack Fallon entertained us with soft ballads. He was delightful, but got very little applause because people were arriving, greeting, schmoozing and taking care of their doggies...we just didn't have two hands among us to clap! He was very entertaining and the perfect note to arrive on and start the evening. So...Jack, we apologize...consider this our online version of two hands clapping!

And, last but not least (to us, anyway!), Ana-Izela McConnaWAY-Kabande de Coxala made her public debut at this event, and, as you can see from the picture, became weary of the whole thing ...so much attention; so little puppy breath! Finally, overcome with ennui, she took her afternoon siesta in her chauffeur's lap!

You know, this Pet Chic fashion show has me thinking about reincarnation. In my next life, I want to be a Yorkie Poo, live at Lakeside, and ride around in a BMW with a rich lady. Chase cars? Chase cats? Chase mailmen? Are you insane? I have to get ready for next year's event. "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille!"

And, if any of you out-of-towners feel like contributing to a worthy cause, here is the address and information. You'll feel great if you do it!

Checks should be made payable to: Lakeside Spay & Neuter Center , A.C.

Please write on the "memo" line on the face of the check: For deposit to account #23710683

Mail check to:
USAA Federal Savings Bank 10750
McDermott Fwy
San Antonio, TX 78288

by Karen McConnaughey

Three of our participants on the March 8 program came in early and were able to attend their very first charity event at Lakeside….the Cruz Roja Fashion Show!

We talked Wayne Murray, Greg Brick and John Tjia into coming to a fashion show with a persuasive argument in an email before they arrived: “It’s possible that you’re sitting there thinking…”And, why would I want to go to a fashion show?” Well, my only answer is because there are a lot of pretty women modeling, and you’ll get to meet the Focus Staff and some Focus alumni!” Wayne wrote back and said I was very persuasive:

Hi Karen,
Sure! You are so persuasive! I can’t answer for Greg Brick but I will anyway.

You know our schedule and your schedule far better than I, so if we are there, we might as well join in and meet everyone. I’d like that.

This will be my first fashion show. I can’t answer for Greg.So put us down for Two tickets
Wayne Murray

Only knowing Wayne from emails, I decided I liked him immediately…he was so open and receptive in his communications…and he was exactly like that in person too!

Cruz Roja International Volunteers held their eighth successful Annual Fashion Show at Hotel Real de Chapala on March 7. Since our participants stay at the Hotel Real de Chapala, they didn’t have far to go.

The fashion show was a double header…a luncheon in the afternoon and a dinner/dance in the evening. The professionally produced runway show was ‘choreographed’ by Cece Darling, a recent transplant to the Lakeside area with a long history in the fashion industry. Models had to audition for a chance to strut their stuff for charity, and from the frequent and hearty applause, they were well chosen! Fashions were from Tina Jones’ Designs, Fiaga Boutique and Galeria, Mi Mexico, Opus Boutique, Ana Rosa, Alma Gutierrez and Takasami of Guadalajara. The show included an assortment of fashion, everything from funky and chic to classy and elegant to true objects of art! The women were not professional models, but worked long and hard hours to rehearse for this delightful and fast-paced production.

Focus on Mexico’s program director, Ana Kabande, has graced the runway many times for Cruz Roja, and this year was no exception. Focus on Mexico had at least two tables rooting for her every time she made her entrance, strutting to the music that set the theme for each clothing line. Sashaying down the runway to the THUMP, THUMP, THUMP of the background music, she looked absolutely gorgeous!

Cruz Roja raised $200,000 pesos during the March Fashion Show Event, money that will help the monthly operation of the critical Red Cross Chapala Delegacion. Organizers want to thank Lakeside residents and visitors for their continued support and generosity.

The local Cruz Roja (Lago de Chapala) operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and serves more than 350,000 people living and visiting on the north and south shores of Lake Chapala, and in numerous small villages surrounding the lake.

Lago de Chapala’s operation is funded through national fund-raising efforts as well as the national lottery. However, these efforts cover less than one-half of their operating budget. So community volunteers work tirelessly on local fundraising events throughout the year to help keep the deficit under control, and to keep Cruz Roja services available. Their regular fashion shows are one of the most popular events in the Lake Chapala area.

It is important that Cruz Roja Chapala has a steady income flow so that the monthly expenses are covered and their services don’t have lapses. If you want to help, Cruz Roja Chapala can take cash or check donations. Here’s how to do that:

Checks: If you’re local and are writing a check, make it out to 'Cruz Roja Chapala. They will provide receipts, including tax deductible receipts for U.S. You can drop your donations of at Cruz Roja in Chapala, Lake Chapala Society.

Pay Pal or Credit Card: Go to Cruz Roja Website and donate via Pay Pal or Major Credit Card. The web address is: http://www.cruzrojachapala.com/. 

There are lots of ways that you can help Cruz Roja Chapala, even if you think that you don't have time to attend the meetings or to participate as an active volunteer. Check out http://www.cruzrojachapala.com/help.html for the ways you can help.