The ACC Fundraiser was held at Lunita Restaurant on December 6, 2014 and featured a sumptuous brunch, fashion show, games, and door prizes—all for the ticket price of $500 pesos. It was a delightful afternoon that brought women from the Akumal area together to enjoy each other’s company, share in the activities, and, most importantly, to be a major force in contributing to Akumal’s road paving expansion.
Over 50 women chose to be part of this event, seating under cooling palms on the sand, on the deck, and inside the restaurant.
Judy Baxter commented, “I honestly didn’t know what I was expecting—perhaps road talk, but instead I was treated to a fashion show, good food, and hooking up with good friends…some I hadn’t seen in ages— so, many thanks to the organizers!” The idea for this fundraiser was conceived and put together by ACC (Akumal Canasta Club) which is composed of women entrepreneurs from the area.
The brunch menu consisted of a highly varied menu. All were encouraged to try each of these delicacies…and did they ever! Annette Bartsch, owner of Lunita, had her well-trained staff and star chef busy catering to the hungry attendees. Gabriella Herbert said, “…the menu was beyond all expectations—-kudos to Annette, Christian, and staff.”
A highlight of the afternoon was a fashion show organized by Monica Estrada that featured colorful beachwear, palazzo pants and tops. Models were Ingrid Datica, Marieke Brown, Susanne Van Lierop, and Marianne Volkmer—each made four trips on the Lunita “runway” to the delight of the crowd. Their enthusiastic “strolls” energized the audience with resounding applause. Immediately following the fashion show, the items that were worn as well as some extras were for sale….these went like proverbial “hotcakes” as the models made the fashions “must-have” items.
Next on the afternoon’s agenda was the drawing for door prizes conducted by Mary Henderson and Marianne Volkmer. There were 4 hotels stays in various parts of Mexico provided by Casas y Hoteles de Mexico (Las Escaleras and Casa de Guadalupe in San Cristobal de las Casa Chiapas, Hacienda Las Nubes in San Miguel de Allende, LM Boutique Hotel in Puerto Adventurus); 7 bathing suits including bikinis, one pieces, and a tankini provided by Tranquilidad Properties; a bottle of Montepulciano wine provided by Gail Rowland; a rejuvenating micro dermabrasion facial by dermatologist Dr. Lupita Aguilar; Sunset Catamaran cruise provided by Akumal Dive Shop, palazzo pants provided by Coco Propiedades, and restaurant gift certificates from La Cueva de Pescador, Turtle Bay, El Comal de Akumal, Daveed’s Chef Services, and Lunita.
Although this fundraiser was billed for women only, several area men wanted to support this effort and purchased a ticket. Their names went into the drawing—yep, you guessed it—Bart Smith and Michael Stewart both won bikinis! Gabriella Herbert said, “The well-organized raffle had its precious moments; announcing Bart and Michael as winners of tiny bikinis left us all in hysterics!”
The finale of the afternoon was totaling the proceeds and “writing the check” for a total of $21,325 pesos to help with the road paving project—quite an accomplishment! ACC sincerely thanks all for their participation and for attending, and special appreciation for those donating door prizes. To sum up this event, ACC organizer Monica Estrada said of the participants, “It’s nice to see what women can do when motivated for good and for fun.” One Adventurus Akumal guest was overheard saying, “Geez, can we do this once a month!” Who knows—perhaps another fun afternoon can be planned for the future in 2015!!!
After the crowd of over 50 women left, the organizers had a well-deserved glass of Proseco and rehashed the event. They were joined by Maribel and Malu. Pictured here are Monica, Mary, Maribel, Annette, and Malu.
