Local Charities Team Up for Valentine’s “Yappy Hour” Fundraiser in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — A red carpet, a lineup of costumed dogs, and a packed house at The Admiral Sports Bar on Sunday set the scene for a Valentine’s Day fundraiser that brought together two of the Riviera Maya’s most respected charitable organizations: the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside and Playa Animal Rescue.

The Valentine’s-themed “Yappy Hour” Dog Parade and Costume Contest combined community fun with a shared mission: raising funds to support vulnerable children and rescue animals in the region.

Since 2012, Seaside Rotary has pursued its core mission: to help improve the daily lives and prospects of children and families in Playa del Carmen and the surrounding areas. The club’s activities focus on fundraising, volunteer support, and club-led projects that have a direct, measurable, and positive impact on the community.

Funds raised through contest registrations and voting ticket sales at the event are earmarked for its Kicks4Kids program, an ongoing shoe drive that provides good-quality new sneakers to disadvantaged children across the Riviera Maya.

Playa Animal Rescue (PAR) is a no-kill dog rescue that has been in continuous operation since 2011. The organization works with a multi-purpose goal: rescuing dogs suffering on the streets, restoring them to health physically and emotionally, and placing them in loving permanent homes. PAR also actively promotes spay and neuter as a long-term solution to street dog overpopulation. Heath St. Clair, owner of The Admiral and a long-time PAR supporter, donated 10 percent of all food and beverage proceeds directly to the organization.

Dozens of dogs and their handlers paraded down a Valentine’s red carpet before a cheering crowd. Judging duties were handled by local experts including Marcella Ramirez, veterinarian at Gaia Pet Care; Yanne Aguierra, groomer at Gaia Pet Care; and Jenny, Grooming Manager at Que Chulada Pet Shop.

Category winners included Addie (Best Senior Dog), Baily (Prettiest Girl), Nugget (Most Handsome Boy), Saya and Milo (Best Pair), Penny (Best Large Breed), Lucy (Best Medium Breed), Poochinela (Best Small Breed), and Nick (Best Rescue Dog). The coveted “Top Yapper” title, decided by popular vote, went to Bailey.

The lucky winners and their handlers went home with prizes from Indian Jones, Mezcla, The Lost Tiki, The Admiral, Petco, Off the Vine, La Vagabunda, Ah Cacao, and La Perla Pixan/La Carboneria.

Organizers say the event highlights the power of collaboration. By combining their efforts and their supporters, Seaside Rotary and Playa Animal Rescue created an afternoon that was festive, inclusive, and impactful, reinforcing the strength of community-driven philanthropy in Playa del Carmen.

PRESS RELEASE SUBMITTED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF PLAYA DEL CARMEN SEASIDE