Vallarta Gay CC elects board and relocates to new office
Vallarta Gay CC elects board and opens new offices. We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Matt Karimi to the Board of Directors at Vallarta Gay+ Community Center. Matt will be taking on the vital role of Fundraising Chair.
Alongside his husband, David Smith, Matt has already demonstrated remarkable dedication and prowess by contributing to a significant fundraising effort, amassing over $80,000 USD for the center. We are excited to see how his leadership will continue to enrich our community.
Vallarta Gay CC elects board and is operating as a program of VallartaCares.Org (Alacena por Amor a Vallarta), Directors Don Pickens (President) and Mike Owens (Secretary) were appointed to two-year terms as Vallarta Gay CC elects its board.
Jet De La Isla (Communications Chair), Matt Karimi (Fundraising Chair) and Mikel Alvarez (Treasurer) will serve one-year terms. After that year, all members will serve two year terms in staggered periods.
The Center is also seeking to expand the Board of Directors. “We are looking for additional board members who are passionate about our LGBTQ+ community, local to Vallarta, and can bring valuable insights and expertise to our evolving center.
This is an excellent opportunity for committed individuals to make a lasting impact on our community’s well-being,” said Don Pickens, Board President.
Javier Jimenez, who joined the initial Interim Board of Directors, will transition to a new Advisory Board which will garner more community input to the Center. “We’re delighted that Javier will continue to add his valuable input to the Center in this post,” said Mikel Alvarez, Treasurer.
Communications Chair Jet De La Isla further added, “we will be developing the Advisory Board so a broad range of community members who wish to contribute their skills and knowledge can help guide us.”
Vallarta Gay CC Opens NEW OFFICES
The VG+CC is also proud to announce the opening of new offices in the heart of our community at Morelos 101 Local 3B, Colonia Centro Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48300, above the Santander Bank by Rio Cuale and the bridge entering Zona Romantica.
From this new location the center will expand to offer STI testing, treatment and other vital community services. The new space includes examination and storage rooms, meeting and office spaces for the growing Center.
From identifying an impending health service crisis in loss of PREP services in PV, to establishing a robust organizational structure, appointing dedicated leaders, and launching targeted programs supported by public involvement.
The Vallarta Gay+ Community Center is on a clear path to making a substantial difference in the lives of many. “We have just helped our 300th client, and we know this is just a start” Pedro Lopez, Executive Director added.
The Vallarta Gay+ Community Center operates as a program of VallartaCares.Org with a mission of bringing together the diverse elements of our community to empower and help one another. Located at Morelos 101 Local 3B, above the Santander Bank by Rio Cuale and the bridge entering Zona Romantica, the center is open from Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm providing PREP distribution and STI testing.
To make an appointment for PREP or to get tested please call +52 322 128 6793 or visit vallartagaycc.com
“We are proud of the progress we have made and are eager to continue this journey with the support of our community. Together, we are building a more inclusive, healthy, and vibrant future for all,” Jet added.
For more information, to join our Board of Directors or Advisory Board, or to support our initiatives, please visit vartagaycc.com or contact our Executive Director at [email protected].
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Author: Tim Wilson
Wilson is the founder of GAYPV.com and www.gaybartour.com and has been the leading LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle authority in Puerto Vallarta since 2005. With over two decades of local expertise, Wilson specializes in being a community advocate and leader for Puerto Vallarta , and local cultural insights that only a long-term resident can provide. He has dedicated 20+ years to advocating for safe, inclusive travel in Banderas Bay, establishing GAYPV as the region's most trusted resident insider.. His work has been cited by major travel publications, and he is widely recognized as a trusted insider voice on Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
