Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen

Yesterday afternoon, the beach in front of Wicky's Restaurant in Playa del Carmen was the place to be for great BBQ and live music! The fundraiser, "Hope for Haiti", benefiting, Doctors Without Borders, was hosted by Wicky's, attracting hundreds of local residents and visitors alike. Many came to enjoy the excellent buffet presented by Head Chef Collin Kelley, others came to enjoy the beach and the entertainment provided by J.J. and The Nasty Bastards Band, Chris Bolister, Brent Parkin, Mike Grabow, Barefoot Skinny and Gary with his Gringos Perdidos! The weather was not as cooperative as we would have liked with persistent wind gusts forcing the BBQ line up inside, but the sun was shining bright and everyone in attendance had a great time. I was pretty busy at the ticket table selling t-shirts and buffet passes and I did not get to take as many pictures as I wanted to during the height of the party, but I did a chance to snap a few shots here and there. Kay Walten in Akumal has some great pictures from their "Hope for Haiti" Akumal event posted as well with more to follow I am certain.

I heard so many nice compliments throughout the day,about the food, the location and the music. It really was a terrific event and I was proud to be involved. It was nice to see so many people come out to show their support and I appreciate each and everyone of you who took the time to attend. I should have the final numbers for the day tallied soon and will post them on the "Hope for Haiti" Facebook Event Page. There are a lot of people to thank for their assistance in the organization and execution of this event and I will endeavor to name as many as I can in no particular order:

Many thanks to Kay and Gary Walten of www.LocoGringo.com, Damon Gerke, General Manager, Collin Kelley, Head Chef and Linda Burchette, Director of Sales and Marketing for Wicky's Restaurant. Also, thanks to Nicola Inwood and Dave Tomlinson from Hotel Tropical Casablanca and Abyss Dive Center, Rob Kinnon and Glenn Harris, Jeff Johnson and all the talented musicians who gave their time and talents to the day and Cheryl, Aurora and Mitch who helped me throughout the event. Thanks also to the local vendors and food purveyors who donated product to the event so we could keep our costs low. They include Comercial Norte Americana, Deli Playa, Artisenal Swiss Breads, Dac, Exim del Caribe, Pacsadeli, Corona and Coca Cola. Special thanks to "Bob" the winner of the 50/50 raffle who donated all of the $3000 pesos back to Doctors Without Borders.

If you were unable to attend yesterday's event but would still like to make a donation, you may do so securely, by credit card, through our "Hope for Haiti" Donation Page. There are also t-shirts still available which can be purchased at Hotel Tropical Casablanca on 1st Ave. next to the Abyss Dive Shop and the Dirty Martini Lounge. They are $200 pesos a piece with all proceeds going to the charity.