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| Sunset at Casa de Los Sueños |
“Holy
moly!” Gail exclaimed, “That is my handwriting. I won! I won!”
Convinced
that an email she had received was a scam, perhaps a sales pitch for
a timeshare hotel, Gail Stewart refused to believe she had won the
fabulous prize being offered. To assure Gail that the offer was
genuine, the hotel owner sent a second email, containing a photo of a
local child holding the winning ticket; that's when she recognized
her own distinctive handwriting.
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| 2700 Square Foot Presidential Suite |
The
prize was a complimentary week in the 2700-square-foot Presidential
Suite at Casa de Los Sueños on Isla Mujeres, plus a $500.00 credit
towards food and beverages. She had purchased the raffle ticket many
months before from the hotel owner, who was independently raising
funds for the Little Yellow School House. As a middle school educator for thirty-eight years in Westchester County, New York, Gail
is an avid supporter of the education of
children. The LYSH is a local school for children with developmental
disabilities; all of their funding comes from various fundraising events on Isla.
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| Food for the sunset cocktail party |
Gail
Stewart and Mike Davanzo, or as she calls him, “her partner in
crime,” recently enjoyed their complimentary week at Casa de Los
Sueños, enthusiastically telling friends that everyone at the hotel
was treating them like they were rock stars.
They wanted to share
their good fortune with island friends and arranged a sunset cocktail
party for Wednesday evening. Lucky for us, we were included on the
guest list!
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| Guests arriving for the party |
According
to Gail, the hotel manager was exceptionally helpful – suggesting
food items that fit her budget, and organizing all of the party
details. One fun twist was that the table and chairs were set up in the
shallow end of the suite's private swimming pool. What a great idea!
And Mike, an old-time rock-and-roller, played lively and familiar
tunes for our foot-bouncing enjoyment.
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| Mike Davanzo, TGarcia photo |
Originally
from Queens, NY, Mike Davanzo has been playing in rock bands since
high school, later playing professionally for more than 40 years in the eastern US and Canada. He is currently featured at Casa de Los
Sueños on the weekends from 4:30 to 6:30, during Happy Hour.
Mike's music is another good reason to stop by Casa de Los Sueños
for a sunset beverage or two, and while you are there, purchase a
raffle ticket for the 2015 Grand Prize.
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| Hotel staff setting up the buffet for the party |
As
Gail said, “It was a magical week, and everyone who worked there
treated us like we had actually paid to stay in the Presidential
Suite.” Although with Gail's many years of experience as a
President for the Teachers' Union and as a Union Contract Negotiator,
I noticed she kept a supervisory eye on every detail of the party.
When you are accustomed to being in charge, old habits die hard.
Thanks again, Gail and Mike, for the invite to share in your good
fortune.
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| Presidential Suite - private pool |
Lawrie
and I bought our ticket; hopefully it's the winning one!
Maybe next
year we will be living like rock stars for a week in the Presidential
Suite of Casa de Los Sueños.
Hasta
Luego
Lawrie, Lynda, Sparky, and Thomas
Murder. Mayhem. Revenge. Romance.
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3 comments:
It was a great party in one of the most beautiful settings on the island. Thank you Gail for sharing your lovely place with us.
How can I purchase a ticket?? Sounds like heaven!
Hi Anon-y-mouse! As far as I know you have to purchase the tickets direct from Casa de Los Suenos on Isla. Maybe you can check with them via their FaceBook page or website. It's a beautiful prize. Cheers L
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