Support American Legion Post 9 Chapala's Charitable Efforts

“THRILL THE WORLD” is the annual worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. Here in the Lake Chapala area of Mexico, we are celebrating our 15th Anniversary, where Zombies, young and old, Mexican and Expats, learn the dance and raise money for local charities.

“Thrill the World Ajijic” is the largest group of participants in the entire organization that maintains the largest age range group of dancers. We have local Mexican kids that love to participate every year as young as 4 years old, and retired expats that keep attending year after year, well into their 80s!

This year, the charity beneficiary of funds generated by “Thrill the World Ajijic 2025” will be The American Legion Family Post 7 Chapala consisting of the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons.

The Mission Statement of ANAVETS is “’Shoulder to Shoulder’ Serving Veterans, our members and their families to promote remembrance and to serve our community.” ANAVETS (Mexico) Unit 19 serves our veterans and the local community by offering fellowship, increasing awareness of veterans, and stimulating patriotism and unity. They offer experienced advice, leadership and volunteering. ANAVETS (Mexico) Unit 19 support charities with their resources, skills, enthusiasm and experience.

Over the last 5 years, ANAVETS (Mexico) Unit 19 has supported Fransico Medina Assencio School in Chapala; a disabled children’s school, Love In Action; a girls orphanage, Mi Bebe y Yo; an organization that supports young mothers and their babies, Smile Campaign and the Bomberos Chapala. Additionally, they sponsor a local Boys Flag Football Team and in 2024 ANAVETS (Mexico) Unit 19 held a Christmas Toy Drive for over 220 children in the town of San Juan Tecomatlán. In 2025, ANAVETS (Mexico) Unit 19 is dedicated to Mi Bebe y Yo and the Francisco Medina Assencio School in Chapala. They evaluate other charities on an ongoing basis. Funds received from this year’s Thrill the World Ajijic 2025 event will enable them to continue to support these two charities as well as help to evaluate charities for next year.

Membership is open to all Veterans, Police, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Coast Guard, and the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. They welcome Canadian, American, Mexican and British Commonwealth Veterans, their families and the community-at-large.

ANAVETS (Mexico) Unit 19 meets every Thursday at Johnny’s Musical Bar at González Gallo 86, San Antonio Tlayacapan, where they host weekly Euchre and Dart Socials. In addition, they hold special events throughout the year. If you would like to donate, attend a meeting, or would like to learn more about ANAVETS (Mexico) Unit 19, you can send an email to: anavets.mexico at gmail dot com.

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 $87,500 Mexican Pesos ($4,353 USD).

Won't you please help us achieve our fundraising goal of $7,000 USD?