<div><strong>“THRILL THE WORLD”</strong> is the annual worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson’s “<strong><em>Thriller</em></strong>”. Here in the Lake Chapala area of Mexico, we are celebrating our <strong>15th</strong> consecutive anniversary (even during Covid), where Zombies, young and old, Mexican and Expats, learn the dance and <strong>raise money for local charities</strong>.
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<div>Elliott Joaquim started this event 15 years ago with just a few participants and each year, not only have we grown in the numbers of “Zombies” and “Witches”, but also in the amount of money raised for charities. Last year, we received and donated over<strong> $87,500 Mexican Pesos ($4,353 USD)</strong> to the <strong>Rotary International – Ajijic</strong>.
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<div><strong>This year, the charity beneficiary of funds generated by “Thrill the World Ajijic 2025” will go to the American Legion Family Post 7 Chapala consisting of the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons</strong>. The American Legion was founded in 1919 and are the strongest veteran’s association in the USA. The charter was granted in Chapala, Mexico on November 26, 1962. This year will mark the <strong>63rd</strong> year of serving the Chapala community.
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<div><strong>The American Legion Vision, Mission, and Motto are as follows:</strong>
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<div><strong>Vision:</strong> “The American Legion strengthens America by improving the lives of our veterans, the military and their families.”
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<div><strong>Mission Statement:</strong> “The American Legion strengthens our communities, states and nation with programs and services for our veterans, the military and their families.”
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<div><strong>Motto:</strong> “Veterans Strengthening America.”
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<div><strong>The American Legion</strong> supports charities with their resources, skills, enthusiasm and experience.
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<div>Over the years, <strong>The Legion Family</strong> has supported the <strong>Fransico Medina Assencio School</strong> in Chapala, <strong>Love In Action</strong>; a girl’s orphanage, <strong>Smile Campaign</strong>, <strong>children with diabetes</strong> and the <strong>Bomberos Chapala</strong>. 
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<div>Additionally, they sponsor the local <strong>Boys Charales de Chapala Futbol Team</strong>. They have partnered with <strong>ANAVETS </strong>and <strong>Los Gueros</strong> for the annual Christmas Toy Drive for children.
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<div>In 2025, the <strong>Legion Family </strong>will be dedicated to Chapala Programs. They evaluate other charities on an ongoing basis. Funds received from this year’s <strong>Thrill the World Ajijic 2025 </strong>event will enable them to continue to support these charities as well as help to evaluate charities for next year.
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<div>Membership is open to all US military Veterans, Spouses and Sons. Legion meetings are held monthly at the American Legion Post 7 in Chapala at Morelos 114. The American Legion holds special events throughout the year. If you would like to donate, attend a meeting, or would like to learn more about The American Legion you can send us a message here.
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<div><strong>Rehearsals begin on Saturday, August 30th, 2025 from 1pm to 3pm on the third floor dance studio at Plaza Bugambílías (Scallions Restaurant and El Torito Mercado Complex). Rehearsals continue each Wednesday and each Saturday from 1pm to 3pm at the same location, up until the worldwide event on Saturday, October 25, 2025.</strong>
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<div><strong><em>Won't you please help us by supporting our Charity?</em></strong>
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Doyle Lytle

Rosann Balbontin

Arthalene Hopkins

Support American Legion Post 7 Chapala's Charitable Efforts

Still $1,618 to go. Help us build momentum.