An Interview with Tamra Koch and Lina Weissman about Mexi-Gras

Get ready to mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 17^th for the Costa Verde International School’s 8^th annual scholarship fundraiser. This year’s theme is all about fun, as Sayulita meets New Orleans for a Fat Tuesday celebration in support of this school.  Tamra Koch, a founding board member of Costa Verde, and Lina Weissman, a board member of Costa Verde, sit down with El Sayulero to share more about this school, the event, and why you will want to attend Mexi-Gras!

What is CVIS about?

Colegio Costa Verde International School was created seven years ago to provide a bilingual, green education to local families. CVIS is committed to allowing families to choose an education that is child-focused, strength-based and encourages children and families to be responsible stewards of the planet.  CVIS began with 45 students and now includes preschool through secondario classrooms, many with waitlists. We now have approximatley 160 students during the high season.

What is the cultural diversity like at CVIS?

Every year about 55% of the children are local Mexicans. There are also many American and Canadian children.

Why does CVIS do an annual fundraiser each year?

As part of the school’s commitment, the founders and Board of CVIS have created a scholarship program that allows many of our local families to get the education they want for their children. Currently, 45% of all children attending CVIS do so on some type of scholarship. This percentage is much higher than other privately funded schools throughout the world and we are very proud of that.

How much of the proceeds from the Mexi-Gras event support the scholarship fund?

One hundred percent of the proceeds of the event go to the scholarship fund!

Mexi-Gras? Where did that come from?

For folks that have been to the CVIS annual event in the past, we always manage to pick inspired, interesting themes that have amazing menus and a fun atmosphere. We actually have been wanting to do a Mardi Gras inspired theme for a few years but we were waiting for the dates to align. This year, Fat Tuesday is February 17^th!

What can folks expect from this event?

This event is located on the beach in front of Don Pedro’s and the doors open at 6pm.  Start the evening with a welcome cocktail (yes, a Hurricane!) and then enjoy the New Orleans inspired setting by Sayulita Dream Weddings, appetizers and a full course meal by Don Pedro’s, Organic Select, Teritare Estates, Naef Cuisine, and Waikika.  We will also have a free photo booth and face painting. Yes, come dressed up!

To benefit the scholarship fund, businesses from all over the area and in the US have donated items for a silent and live auction, so you will also have guilt –free shopping experience and get to go home with goodies.

Which Sayulita businesses have contributed items to the silent and live auction?

Most businesses contribute to the fundraiser by donating something to the silent and/or live auction. Don Pedro’s donates their space, staff, food, and drink.  

What is the menu like?

The menu is going to be amazing! Don Pedro’s is making mini crab cakes with spicy remoulade, oysters rockefeller New Orleans style, and chili spice buffalo shrimp for appetizers. They are also making blackened fish with pineapple relish and lemon beurre blanc, Louisiana chicken andouille sausage gumbo, dirty rice, and collard greens. Organic select will have greens with creole peanut red dressing and Teitiare will provide grilled blackened chicken with fruit salsa, cajun mashed potatoes, and grilled cajun green beans. And that’s not all! Naef Cuisine will have a desert station and Waikika will have an ice cream stand.

Why will people want to attend Mexi-Gras?

Besides sending children to the school of their choice, this is ALWAYS the best party in town. Best food, best fun and best feel. You just cannot beat a beach party with style!

What feedback have you received from past events?

Feedback and comments have been that this is the "best party of the year," and for a great cause!

How big of an event is this? Are tickets limited?

We pretty much sell out every year, about 300 people. Premium tables are already sold out.

Where can tickets be purchased?

Tickets are now on sale at CVIS and Avalos Realty, near the Plaza.  In addition, you can purchase them on line at http://www.colegiocostaverde.com/Joomla/en/donations/fundraisers/191-mexigrasfundraiser.html.

Tickets are 600p or 50USD. On line tickets purchased through Ninos del Sol are tax deductible in the US.