GLORIA & RICHARD BELLACK
Founders of Sailfest
Richard & Gloria Bellack
Sailfest began in 2002, as the result of a chance meeting between long-time Zihuatanejo residents Richard and Gloria Bellack and a sailboat named Latitude 38 (of sailboat magazine fame).
The Bellacks were already involved with a local indigenous school called Escuela Primaria Netzahualcoyotl, and were more than happy to accept the boatload of supplies the sailors had brought with them. Word soon spread, and a few dozen other cruisers decided to join in a weekend of boat races, raffles and fun to raise money for indigenous children. The makeshift fundraiser with the help of other ex-pats and locals, raised $1500 US, in its inaugural year, which was then matched by the Bellack Foundation......and so Sailfest began!
NON PROFIT ASSOCIATIONS
Por Los Ninos
Por los Ninos is a non-profit association which was created by Sailfest and the Bellack Foundation to administer and distribute the funds raised by Sailfest related activities.
Los Ninos
Los Ninos Inc provide funds for Por Los Niños’ construction projects, the nutrition program and much-needed scholarships. U.S. tax receipts will be provided for eligible donations to U.S. citizens.
SACZ
The Society for the Advancement of the Children of Zihua
SACZ is the Canadian charitable arm of Por Los Ninos del Municipio de Zihua AC.
OUR IMPACT
Over the years we have had a lot of fun putting on this event, but that's not what it's all about. It's about the children and the impact we have had on them. In the past 20+ years, Sailfest funds and your generous donations have raised millions of pesos. Here is what was accomplished up to 2025.
New constructions and refurbished:
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217 projects which include new and repaired classrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, playgrounds and multi-purpose covered outdoor spaces
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47 new and existing schools.
Scholarships & sponsorships:
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102 smart, motivated high school and university students are awarded scholarships to fulfill their educational dreams often cut short due to poverty.
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206 students from primary school, Casa Para Ninos, with high grades from low income families have sponsors to help with school supplies and clothing.
Nutrition:
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Hungry children cannot learn effectively, which is why our Rice & Beans program provides meals to every student attending classes at Casa para Niños. For some, this may be their only nutritious meal of the day. Annually, this initiative provides over 50,000 meals.
POR LOS NINOS SAILFEST DONORS
We could not put on this event without the generosity and passion of our donors who provide:
- donations for the auctions
- musicians who donate their time and talent each year
- volunteers who provide their professional skills and expertise
- the list goes on and on
But most importantly are the local businesses of the Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa area.
Please go out and support these organizations
and businesses and tell them that Por Los Niños Sailfest sent you!
