It Took (a) Village (of) People to Raise Cash

Thanks to Laura Bush and David Wolfe for providing space in their Lol Ha Snack Bar area for a Disco Night fundraiser for CEA’s Turtle Protection Program on the first day of Spring. Charlene Powell promoted and sold admission to this very fun way of supporting a serious endeavor. CEA staff helped out and, with tourists and locals alike, had a great time dancing the night away to music from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, complete with disco ball, light effects and smoke machine. Proceeds from the cover charges and donations came to $3,650 pesos.

The Team Raises More than a Mile of Pesos

Thanks once again to Laura Bush and David Wolfe for providing space, food, beverages and staff in their Snack Bar for another benefit for the Turtle Protection Program on April 9. Charlene again helped organize this event, which included dinner tickets for two kinds of pasta and sauces, salad and bread, with beverages of soft drinks, beer or margaritas, available by ticket sales. She also had T-shirts printed for sale denoting the 2004 Turtle Season. Isabel Schober had her jewelry on display, with a percentage of her profit available to CEA.

Mauricio Bautista provided souvenir bookmarks of recycled paper that he makes. These were decorated with turtle designs made by members of Comunidad Unida, a group of Akumal Pueblo children he works with, who create products from recycled items.

As dinner was winding down, the Puppet Show began. This performance is an example of CEA’s educational efforts for local children, though it is equally charming and informative for adults. I understand little Spanish but the message of turtle protection was clearly conveyed through cleverly constructed puppets, enthusiastic acting, animated voices, and creative stage design.

The play was performed by our own Turtle Troupe: Mauricio, Nadia Mora, Vita Sgardello and Oriol Ferrando; set lighting by Ivan Caballero, and then Jim Petersen, taking turns holding a lamp directed at the stage. There was some natural lighting from lightning, as well, but the rain politely held off until the show was over.

Earnings from this evening, with sales and donations, totaled more than a mile of pesos—$5,285.

These events have given the Turtle Program a fundamental boost as the season hatches. If you would like to help, too, please click here.

- Alex Bradley