A big thank you to all who turned out to the Pawty & Play 2024 Fundraiser to support our mission!
Baja Dogs Sterilizations hosted its annual Pawty & Play fundraiser on April 10th, 2024, at the San Juan Social Club in La Paz, and the event was a huge success! 115 people attended the event, which raised over $25,000 USD in donations through ticket sales, raffle prizes, a live auction, and more. A big thanks to all who came out to support the event, including all who donated auction and raffle prizes, our attendees, and all the volunteers who donated their time to make the event a success. Special thanks to San Juan Social Club for donating the event space, the band, Blue Azul, who donated the music, and Tacos La Neta and Master Churros Gourmet for the amazing food. And of course a huge thanks to our veterinary partners, Dr. Fernando and his team of Baja Pet's, and Dr. Mario and his team at Clínica Veterinaria El Centenario, and Dr. Alan at Clínica Veterinaria Ortiz for their tireless commitment and work to help us sterilize dogs.
Play the video below to see a slideshow of pictures from the campaign.
The donations will be used to support the organization's mission to reduce the overpopulation of abandoned pets by bringing free sterilization campaigns to underserved communities throughout La Paz, BCS, Mexico. While the campaigns are free to attendees, they cost around $5,000 USD a month to operate, with an average of around 100-150 dogs a month sterilized. That means the funds raised from the event will help pay for approximately 5 months of sterilization campaigns.
Use of the event space was donated by San Juan Social Club/San Juan Club Deportivo, a local event venue and sports club that recently built 12 new pickleball courts to serve the community's growing interest in the sport.
The event began with an introduction to pickleball at the center's 12 new pickleball courts for beginners interested in learning to play, and open play for those who already play the game. Around 30-40 players showed up to play, and several got their first introduction to the sport, courtesy of club member volunteers who helped with instruction.
Local blues rock band, Blue Azul, kicked off the main event with their rollicking music, donated with the help of local charity event organizer, Pablo Ahuja. A delicious assortment of tacos, including a vegetarian option, were provided by local taco stand, Tacos La Neta, and churros from Master Churros Gourmet from owners Misael Perez and Karla Ortiz provided delicious treats for dessert. Drinks for the event were donated by Baja Life Realty, and Baja Dogs Sterilizations board member Linda DiMeglio and her husband, Thierry Alicourtis, who brewed up a batch of sangria for the event.
Local blues rock band Blue Azul donated the music for the event.
At 6:30 p.m., Gordon "Flash"Wilson of Baja Life Realty, dressed as Elvis, kicked off the main event as emcee with an introduction about Baja Dogs Sterilizations mission.
A special announcement followed, as Baja Dogs Sterilizations board member, Kat West, along with local YouTube celebrity Brighton West, who hosts the popular channel, Almost Retired in Mexico, presented the organization with a donation of $5,000 USD to kick off the donation call. Their donation was soon followed by Ted and Sandra Rowley, who pledged another $6,000 USD to the cause.
The event included a live auction hosted by local realtor and professional auctioneer, Ian Wilson, also of Baja Life Realty.
Ian Wilson of Baja Life Realty drew on his professional auctioneering background to host the live auction, featuring prizes from local businesses.
The grand prize of the auction was a full day luxury yacht cruise to Balandra Bay for six people, donated by Lover Lips Yachts. Lover Lips Yachts, renowned for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, has long been a staple of the La Paz community. With over 35 yachts and boats to choose from, the company offers options to suit every budget and preference, making luxury yacht experiences accessible to all.
Fabiola Keizer, the owner of Lover Lips Yachts, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to support Baja Dogs Sterilization, stating, "As a Mexican Woman-Owned Company Making Waves, we take great pride in giving back to our community and making a positive impact. We are honored to support Baja Dogs Sterilization and their important mission."
Other prizes donated and won at the auction included:
A 3 night stay at Villa Marysol beach house in Rosarito, donated by Ted and Sandra Rowley. Perfect for escaping the La Paz summer heat!
A chance to snorkel with La Paz's iconic whale sharks, or a visit to Espiritu Santo island to snorkel with sea lions, for 2 people, donated by La Paz Divers.
A grey whale tour for 2 people, donated by local tour guide and conservationist, Pablo Ahuja. Pablo also coordinated the live music for the event.
2 nights stay at local La Paz area BnB, Casa Kootenay
2 nights stay at local La Paz area BnB Casa Xochitl, donated by Dan and Winn Harmic.
2 tours from Perlas de La Paz, including a tour of their local La Paz pearl farm and coral farm, donated by Daniela Barrios and her husband, Carlos Cáceres.
2 rounds of golf donated by Paraiso del Mar Golf Club.
2 full days of a luxury SUV car rental, plus 2 weeks of regular car rental, donated by Seahorse Car Rental owner Eric Zhevel.
3 private pickleball lessons donated by San Juan Club Deportivo.
4 one-hour Spanish lessons for 2 people donated by local Spanish Teacher Valentina Arevir of The Language Spot.
4 hours of personal concierge service from Sue Casa, donated by Sue Bell, for those needing help with setting up utilities, bank accounts, immigration and more.
Raffle prizes donated by local businesses and individuals also helped the organization raise lots of donations, and included:
Sue Casa: Two 1 hour Personal Concierge Service sessions donated by Sue Bell
2 Wix website designs from My Startup Web Site owner Ram Glick
La Casa del Bagre dinner Gift Certificate
La Esquina Deli El Centenario Gift Certificate for lunch for 2 people
Pickleball Beginner Paddle from Baja Life Realty
12 Selkirk Pickleballs from Baja Life Realty
San Juan Club Deportivo: 1 month membership and 3 private lessons
2 Trattoria Alessandro Gift Certificates donated by Blanca Corral
Homemade Pickles & Jewelry gift basket donated by Betty Harmon
Lunyas Pizza: 2 Familia Size Pizzas (Takeout)
5 packs of 6 donuts donated by Yummy Donuts.
Dave Barba Crazy Dog Dog Training: 1 hour Dog Training
Package of 3 Dog Training Sessions from Salty Paws La Paz
1 month of pool cleaning service from BCS Home & Pool
3 hour house cleaning service from BCS Home & Pool
Handmade Garden Stake Art (3) from Robbie Fuller
Echo Dot & Amazon Firestick donated by Ted and Sandra Rowley
Gift basket of Canadian treats donated by Susan and Nigel Parsons
Paws & Parranda 1 overnight stay for 2 pets or 1 full day of daycare
Once again, we want to thank everyone who participated, volunteered, donated and attended. It was an amazing event and if you did attend, we hope you enjoyed it!
While the event generated an amazing amount in donations, Baja Dogs Sterilizations needs at least $5,000 USD a month to keep providing its free sterilization campaigns to underserved communities in La Paz. Please help us keep the mission going by signing up for a monthly donation here.