19th edition of ‘La Buena Vida’ Festival celebrates local gastronomy & fine wines for a great cause

Carlos Rodriguez & Coral Parrilla

By Judy Gordon-Conde and Jennifer Conde-Powers

The 19th edition of La Buena Vida Festival, held recently, at the Palmas del Mar Country Club, exceeded its fundraising goals, donating $17,500 each to four nonprofit organizations in eastern Puerto Rico: P.E.C.E.S., La Casa de Todos, Casa de la Bondad, and Hogar Cuna San Cristóbal. The event featured top culinary talent, wine tastings, a silent auction, and live music, all supporting charitable causes. Since its founding in 1995 by Friends of the Community of Humacao, the festival has raised nearly one million dollars for local nonprofits.

Cristina Garcia, Myriam Quiñones & Alexandra Garraton

Lissa Busquets, Sandro Giulimondi, Ana Rios and Engineer William Carrion

Mike Vazquez, Sandrysabel Ortiz, Kenia Velazquez, Fernando Rivera

Chef Daniel Lugo and Team from Wyndham Palmas Trova Restaurant

Rosibel Maldonado y Maypi Rodriguez

Chef Daniel Vasse, an event sponsor, with his team at Plaza Cellars

Dr. Juan Rivera & Caroll Lopez