Every winter the Women to Women (in Spanish Mujeres á Mujeres) group puts on Jaltemba Bay Fashion Show to raise funds for projects in the Jaltemba Bay area of Mexico. This area includes the communities of Guayabitos, La Peñita, La Colonia and Los Ayala, all in the state of Nayarit.

Originally the brainchild of a group of women golfers, the fashion show has grown into a major charity fundraiser; currently celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2013!

The mission of the fashion show is to raise funds in order to help the women and children of the Jaltemba Bay area. One of the causes supported over the years is the Cancer de Mama Clinic for breast cancer survivors. Other projects have included scholarships for local students to attend university and the building of a local kindergarten. Fashion show funds were also used to install a kitchen at the local Seniors Center.

While dedicated to supporting all these causes, the fashion show itself is also an opportunity for local designers to showcase their talent and for volunteers to model their designs. Others get to enjoy this festive event in a variety of volunteer capacities.

Mona Cavalli, executive committee member of Women to Women, sums it all up: "I love any situation that feels like a win-win. Our guests have a delightful afternoon in Mexico supporting a great cause, the women who volunteer and model have an opportunity to socialize while giving back to the community, and we all get to feel good about ourselves. Of course it's a win-win for the designers as well."

We are proud to have funded a variety of projects over the past 9 years. Every year we provide many scholarships so that local girls can pursue their education. We also fund the Cancer de Mama (breast cancer) Clinic. We have added a Breakfast Program at the local Junior High School and want to support a new Youth Program called Tepochcalli (TAP). Thank you for helping us sponsor these fine endeavors.

Educational Scholarships:

Women to Women/Mujeres á Mujeres has supported dozens of students from the Jaltemba Bay area. Since 2002, we have awarded over 180,000 pesos in scholarships. Your donations have helped students pursue their education in junior-high, high-school, community college or university. Students must demonstrate good grades plus economic need to be considered for scholarship award. As a result of these scholarships, disadvantaged young people are able to study and move into meaningful careers, thus enhancing their future as well as benefitting the community.

Cancer de Mama La Penita - Annual Commitment of $1000 US:
 
A portion of the proceeds of the Fashion Show are dedicated to the Cancer de Mama Clinic held each year at La Penita RV Park. This event brings breast cancer survivors to La Peñita from all areas of the state of Nayarit for breast prostheses, specialized bras, wigs, head scarves and counseling. It is three days of smiles, tears and hugs experienced by recipients and volunteers alike.

Last year the Cancer de Mama team was able to assist over 350 women, the majority of them traveling many hours by bus to participate.

Junior-High Breakfast Program:

In 2012 it came to our attention that a number of the 12 – 15 year olds attending the local junior-high school (Secondaria) arrive at school hungry every day.

By coordinating our efforts with the school administration and DIF, a federal government department that provides foodstuffs for schools, we have been able to organize a program whereby a local kitchen and cook will prepare a nourishing breakfast for 24 of the poorest children every school day.

In addition to some capital costs, our contribution to this event will be $100/week for this school year. We are inviting donations to cover this new project.

TAP Youth Program: (Telpochcalli)

Started in late 2011, this group is offering programs that keep the local youth occupied in artistic activities after school, on weekends and during the summer months.

Learning to dance, to paint and make craft items are just some of the opportunities that will be offered to the young people. At Women to Women/Mujeres a Mujeres, we believe that any such program that keeps young people focused on constructive interests will be a significant benefit to the community. We want to dedicate $1500 to this group, enough to cover the rent on their space near the town plaza in La Penita for a whole year.  

La Patria Kinder: - Special Project 30,000 pesos

In 2010, Women to Women participated with parents and other local charities in the building of the new Patria Kindergarten in La Colmena, a neighborhood of La Peñita. Our cooperation resulted in the completion of the school building, and this year there were 34 happy students in attendance.

Volunteer: Every year nearly one hundred volunteers help to make the fashion show an outstanding success.

From models to bartenders, from waiters to parking attendants, everyone gets to have a lot of fun while supporting a great cause.

If you are interested in volunteering for the fashion show, contact us, we'd love to have you join us!

Donate: You can make a difference in the lives of people of Jaltemba Bay by donating to Women to Women/Mujeres a Mujeres, a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the Jaltemba Foundation. Your donations help finance Educational Scholarships, the Breast Cancer Clinic, the Junior High Breakfast Program, the TAP Youth Program, and other worthwhile community projects.

Your dollars go a long way, and every donation makes an enormous difference in the Jaltemba Bay area.

 Donations are in US dollars. Donate Now!