Costa Verde's "Moulin Rouge" Scholarship Fundraiser

EVENT DETAILS:     Tuesday, February 20, 5:00 - 11:00 PM at Brisa del Mar Palapa. Tickets: $60 USD / $1200 MXN (Includes Welcome Drink, 3-Course Meal, Live Entertainment, Live/Silent Auction, Photo Booth, Dance Party!) On sale at here, CVIS Office, Sayulita's Mercado del Pueblo, and Avalos Realty. Tickets purchased online are US Tax Deductible through our 501C3 Non-Profit, Niños del Sol.

Interviewees are Coste Verde International School fundraiser committee members and parents Andrea Villarubia, Tamra Koch, and Nikki Bhattacharya.

The Costa Verde International School annual fundraiser has a very solid history now. What do you think is the key to its success?

Costa Verde’s Annual Scholarship Fundraiser has a reputation for being a FUN + festive event for a great cause. The event is produced by a committee of parent volunteers, all committed to the success of the school and our extensive scholarship program which provides Financial Aid to over 40% of the student body.

Without these scholarships, CVIS would not be the uniquely diverse learning community that it is. Costa Verde is 100% non-profit and depends on private donor fundraising to keep our school thriving, diverse, and accessible to a wide spectrum of students locally and internationally. We are so appreciative of the Sayulita Community’s generosity and our fundraising committee strives to make this the most anticipated, unique, FUN event of the year so that everyone has a unforgettable night out while supporting our wonderful school and students.

How did you come up with this year’s theme, “Moulin Rouge”?

Costa Verde is an international school with an international student body and faculty/staff. We have fun choosing the theme each year - highlighting cultures, cuisines and regions from around the world and bringing a taste of foreign lands to our small coastal village. In recent years we have celebrated Mardi Gras, Hawaiian Luau, Bollywood, the Caribbean, and more. Our committee had been tossing around the idea of a Parisian theme for a few years. We fell in love with the idea of “Moulin Rouge” as a vibrant embodiment of Belle Epoque Parisian Glamour and the fin-de-siecle Bohemian ideals of “Freedom, Beauty, Truth and Love!”  A few of us are huge fans of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 movie, and the inspiration fell into place from there… A visual feast of Vintage Glamour, Music, Dancing, Cabaret, and above all else, LOVE! Spectacular Spectacular!  

Could you describe what the desired mood/feel will be based on the decor, lighting, music, etc.?  

Belle Epoque Paris Cabaret | Bohemian Vintage Glamour  

Our main inspiration is the movie Moulin Rouge, which is a visual/aural feast and, above all, an epic love story! You can expect a lush, old-world theatre mood, with romantic lighting, a rich, dark color palette, and of course our signature photo booth to document all the fun you’re having at the best party of the year! DJ Jess Edmonson of Sayulita Musica will be setting the musical mood from classy cocktails to (later in the night) raucous dance party. As always, we will have fabulous live performances, great food and drink, and silent & live auctions featuring wonderful products and services from our many generous sponsors.

Will there be a cocktail or food offering in the Moulin Rouge theme?

Absolutely! Don Pedro’s chef, Nicholas Parrillo, has planned a fabulous menu of French delights for the passed hors d’oeuvres and buffet dinner. Organic Select will provide salad to accompany dinner as well as a vegan entree option. Plush Catering and Wa Kika Heladería will provide delicious sweet treats. We are still designing the Specialty Cocktail, but rest assured, there will be plenty of Bubbly flowing as well as a full bar and an Absinthe cart with a very special Bartender! Your ticket includes your first drink, as well as dinner & dessert.

Could you suggest possible ways to incorporate the theme into attendee’s dress that night?

We love that so many of our attendees (supporters!) embrace the themes of our annual events and have fun styling their outfits accordingly. It’s fun and exciting to see everyone get into the spirit of the event and get fancy for a night out. Historically, we know that burlesque and cancan dancers were iconic to the Moulin Rouge nightclub, but our vision of the theme is old-world Paris Glamour in a Bohemian Dancehall Cabaret. Think sequins, ruffles, feathers, rhinestones, diamonds, top hats, tuxes, romance, sparkle, COLOR… We can’t wait to see what our fabulous attendees come up with!  

This year we are thrilled to offer a special “Lips & Lashes” Beauty Lounge sponsored by Marjie Martini of Funky Diva Collective & Jenn Chivers. These amazing makeup artists will be on-site from 5-6:30 PM offering Lip & Lash styling to complete your glamorous look. Spots are limited and 100% of proceeds will go to CVIS Scholarships.  

In February, we will also have a table at Sayulita's Mercado del Pueblo offering a selection of fabulous accessories to inspire your look, and of course, tickets to the event.

For those seeking a little costume/outfit inspiration, we put together a style board with some ideas for Women’s dresses (from Amazon) that would look smashing! For the Gentlemen, dress as formal or as casual as you like. Of course the most important thing is your presence at the event and your support of Costa Verde’s Scholarship Program - dressing up is not required, just highly encouraged for those so inspired!

Please speak as to the desired outcome of the event for the school.

Our goal is to reach the previous years fundraiser amount and more. Last year, we raised $50,000 USD and we hope to do the same and or more this year! 

This does include the Adopt-a-Scholar donations raised at the event. We have a large population of our students on scholarships given by the school, and each year, we try to find more generous hearts that who to sponsor these amazing students.

Could you give a brief description of the scholarship program?

The scholarship program is designed to provide increased access for local children who are in need of financial assistance, thereby creating a more diverse student population. Local national families must apply for scholarships with an interview of both the parents and the student. An economic evaluation establishes the level of financial support for the student. Financial support is given at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% rates. Teachers and Administration document the student’s academic and social performance as well as the family's financial commitment. Students who receive a scholarship are expected to uphold the values of the school as well as a passing academic grade. All parents of Costa Verde are also required to give a minimum number of volunteer hours back to the school. Through this ongoing program CVIS and our donors continue to support the community by providing access to quality education.

What is the biggest challenge the school is facing right now?

We are growing! Our current space is becoming too small for us. We are always looking for a larger space and/or land to grow the school. It has been a challenge for us to find a new location so we continue to make our current location work.

Is there a current student project you would like to highlight?

We are particularly excited about our field studies program this year. Our students are taking on real-life issues and looking for solutions. They are working with the new Recycling Center, El Centro Creativo (the new community center), the Turtle Camp, and many local businesses to recycle, reduce trash, and strengthen our community.