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Date: 1/13/2026
Subject: IFC Newsletter: January 13, 2026
From: IFC President Peggy Nelson



IFC President's Message  
 
Dear Members and Friends,
 
I would like to share updates on three important events. These events are programmed in support of our mission to help area charities, and your participation is important. 
 
IFG Community Grant Update
 
The IFC Education and Social Services Committees, chaired by Henry Golas and Linda Sandell, respectively, are about to begin the work of reviewing applications from Vallarta charitable organization that have applied for IFC grants. Several charities new to the IFC have applied this year.
 
These two committees do their work thanks to 20 volunteers.  The committee work involves reviewing the applications, conducting site visits, reviewing financial need, merit and fit with IFC’s mission, and making recommendations about funding.
 
The work is expected to be completed by the end of February and presented to the IFC Board at the March meeting.
 
Festival of Friendship & Dia de la Amistad 50/50 Raffle  - Sunday, February 15
 
You will have an opportunity to meet many of these charitable organizations on February 15 at the Friendship Festival to be held at the IFC Clubhouse.
 
The Dia De La Amistad 50/50 Raffle will close ticket sales on February 14 and the draw will be held at Friendship Festival on the 15th.
 
Thank you to all who volunteer to do this work, you are so appreciated by many!  
 
IFC's Annual General Meeting ("AGM") - Tuesday, January 20
 
The IFC's Annual General Meeting ("AGM") and this season's first Member Appreciation Night will be held on Monday, January 20. The very important but short AGM will take place at 6:00 pm to elect the executive board of directors and approve the budget for this coming year.  
 
Members and guests are invited to attend the Member Appreciation Evening directly following the AGM.  Live music, complementary finger food and beverages.
 
There is no charge to attend but please register as soon as possible to help with the planning of food and beverage.  If you are attending both events, please register for each event!  
See you soon!

Peggy Nelson
IFC President
 Our Home Tours are in Full Swing! Come join us!
We're snooping around some of Vallarta's finest homes each Tuesday & Wednesday through March.
 
 Explore inside some of Puerto Vallarta’s most remarkable homes, from charming traditional casas to stunning multimillion-dollar beachfront condos and villas. Travel in comfort aboard our air-conditioned tour bus while our friendly guides share fun and informative commentary along the way. Net proceeds support our Cleft Palate Program—now over 30 years strong—as well as other local charities.
 
 
MURAL TOUR - Sunday, January 25
 
Do you enjoy wandering off the beaten path? Learn about Vallarta's creative soul through a mural tour. Join an expert guide through backstreets, charming alleys, and under-the-radar places -- you are sure to be inspired.  Register: Mural Walking Tour
 
 
Private IFC SUNSET SAIL in beautiful Banderas Bay - Saturday, January 31
 
Enjoy the golden-hour views, ocean breezes and great company - plus beverages and appetizers. Register: Sunset Sail



The annual 50/50 charity fundraiser is the largest single fundraising event for our club. Last year's raffle grossed a record-breaking $251,000 pesos. Three lucky winners split half the pot, but a large amount was donated back to the IFC enabling us to use $220,000 pesos for charitable purposes.

 

This year our goal is to raise 251,000 pesos, half of which will go to the IFC for our charitable work in 2026.
 

BUY TICKETS HERE


The ticket prices remain the same as in previous years.

 

1 ticket - $500 pesos ≈$25 USD or ≈$35 CAD

5 tickets - $2000 pesos ≈$110 USD or ≈$150 CAD

13 tickets - $4000 pesos ≈$220 USD or ≈$300 CAD

 

50% of total ticket sales will support the IFC's charities, and 50% of total ticket sales will be distributed to three lucky winners.

 

1st Prize - 25% of total ticket sales

2nd Prize - 15% of total ticket sales

3rd Prize - 10% of total ticket sales

 

Please join in to win and help the International Friendship Club surpass last year's record breaker!

 
You need not be present to win.
 
 
Thank you,
Drew Wilk
IFC Charity Fundraising


 
MEXICAN WINE & CHEESE PAIRING at the IFC Clubhouse - Monday, February 2
 
Enjoy the flavors of Mexico with acclaimed wine sommelier and chef Gina Hendrix of Whiskey Kitchen.  Gina will guide us through a selection of Mexican wines paired with artisanal cheeses.   Register:  Mexican Wines & Cheese Pairing 
 
 
VALLARTA BOTANICAL GARDENS - Tuesday, February 10
 
The day includes a guided walking tour, lunch, and transport to and from Puerto Vallarta, with time to explore. Duration is 5-6 hours.  Register: A Day at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens  
 
 
3RD ANNUAL FASHION SHOW & LUNCH at DiVino Dante - Wednesday, February 11
 
Enjoy an afternoon of fashion, food, fun, 50/50 and a silent auction. The fashion show is curated by Deja New, known for turning heads and setting trends. Reserve early to be a part of this must-attend IFC event!  Register: 3rd Annual Fashion Show & Brunch
 

LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES

 

🎬 Movie Nights Are Back!  Join us at the Clubhouse and check our website for the featured film and showtime.

Pam T speaker
Pam Thompson spoke at the first in a series of three presentations on the topic of Health & Wellness in Paradise.  Pam talked about confronting medical emergencies in Vallarta.  Ambulance service, hospitals, insurance, air evacuations and more.
 
Expert Vallarta medical doctors will present the next two in this 3-part series:
 
6:00 pm, February 3 ... Men's Health Issues
6:00 pm, March 3 ... Women's Health Issues
 
Register for these events at the IFC website, and come with your questions!
 

Raise your hand if you love the IFC’s Mexico History series by Dan Grippo. 🙋🙋‍♀️🙋🙋‍♀️🙋🙋‍♀️🙋🙋‍♀️
We have more lectures coming to you! Check out our calendar and register today — the lectures sell out!
  


What a fun and delicious afternoon. The FRESH PASTA MAKING CLASS with Chef Luca from Magna Magnawas hands-on, relaxed and full of tips from a truly knowledgeable chef. Luca generously shared his own specialty sauces, making the experience feel extra special—and the results were delicious.
 

A huge thank-you to  Georgia Darehshori  for opening her beautiful home to us for the cooking series. The warm setting and stunning views of Vallarta made the class even more memorable.

 

If you missed this one, don’t worry— join us for the next class on February 16. Come ready to cook, learn, and eat well! 🍝✨

Monday through Friday - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday - Closed

info@ifcvallarta.org
ifcvallarta@gmail.com
+52 322-222-5466
Stop in and say hello to Josue!

Edificio Parian del Puente #13
Corner of Miramar and Libertad
Colonia El Centro, Puerto Vallarta
Jalisco, Mexico, 48300
Your newsletter team is Peggy Nelson, Stan Wagner, and myself. With a lot of help and support from many others.

Do you have suggestions or ideas? We value hearing from you!

Laurie Mueller
IFCNewsletter@yahoo.com

PHONE/EMAIL

+52 322-222-5466

info@ifcvallarta.org



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Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.


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