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How Mary Porter and Francie Nguyen turned a shared passion into one of Puerto Vallarta’s most impactful charity events
Puerto Vallarta’s expat community and visiting artists have long demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back—a spirit powerfully embodied in the collaboration between international performer and recording artist Mary Porter and entrepreneur and philanthropist Francie Nguyen.
Porter’s vision to create a distinctive charity event that showcases Puerto Vallarta’s extraordinary artistic talent aligned seamlessly with Nguyen’s desire to provide meaningful opportunities for community members to support her philanthropic initiatives. Together, their shared purpose gave rise to Stars With a Heart, now recognized as one of Puerto Vallarta’s premier annual charity entertainment events, returning on January 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Teatro Vallarta.
Now entering its fourth year, Stars With a Heart has raised more than 2 million pesos for local causes. The first two editions benefited the Vallarta Food Bank (now Vallarta Cares), while last year’s event—and the upcoming 2026 show—support the Vallarta School for Girls, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education and opportunity to girls with limited resources.
For Mary Porter, the inspiration behind Stars With a Heart was deeply personal.
“I was inspired by the warmth and generosity of the Mexican people,” Porter explains. “As a visitor in their beautiful country, I wanted to give something meaningful back. I supported local markets, food trucks, artisans, and musicians whenever I could—but I knew I wanted to do more. Much more.”
That desire evolved into an event that not only raises critical funds for local charities but also celebrates Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant performing arts community. From the beginning, Porter envisioned a show that would spotlight a wide range of talent—singers, musicians, and entertainers—who generously donate their time to the cause.
“It’s a true win for everyone,” Porter says. “The charities benefit, the attendees experience an incredible show, and the performers have an opportunity to share their work with a large, enthusiastic audience.”
The first two Stars With a Heart events were hosted by Act2PV, whose generosity played a pivotal role in the show’s early success. By donating the use of its Mainstage venue, Act2PV helped establish the event as a standout on Puerto Vallarta’s entertainment calendar. Both early shows sold out, raising more than 520,000 pesos for the Vallarta Food Bank.
In 2025, the event moved to the larger Teatro Vallarta, where it raised more than 1.5 million pesos for the Vallarta School for Girls—marking a significant milestone in the event’s growth and community impact.
Stars With a Heart is just one reflection of Mary Porter’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy.
“Helping others has always been a passion of mine,” she says.
Over the years, Porter has leveraged her talent and platform—both in her native North Carolina and in New York City—to help raise nearly $300,000 USD for a wide range of causes, including Alzheimer’s research, homelessness initiatives, and even a community recovering from a devastating fire.
With Stars With a Heart, Porter and Nguyen continue to demonstrate that when art, generosity, and community come together, the impact can be truly transformative.
Porter’s connection to Puerto Vallarta began in 2019 during what was meant to be a simple vacation.
“Something told me I was supposed to live here,” she recalls.
Although she had been planning a move elsewhere, just two weeks later, Porter returned to Puerto Vallarta with two suitcases in hand, not knowing a single person in town. She had no idea at the time how profoundly that decision would change her life.
While exploring the city and discovering its charm, Porter read about a performer named Enrique de Allende, whose style was described as a combination of Andrea Bocelli and Michael Bublé—two of her favorite artists. She bought a ticket to his show.
“Attending that show changed my life,” she says.
After the performance, Porter wandered into the piano lounge. Though she believed her performing days were behind her, she found herself singing two songs: “I Dreamed a Dream” with Dennis Crow on piano and “All I Ask of You” alongside Derek Carkner.
Fast forward to today, and the connections from that evening have come full circle. Ed Gill and Gary Woods, longtime supporters of Puerto Vallarta entertainers and the persons seated next to Porter that night, are now sponsors of Stars With a Heart. Derek Carkner, who accompanied her on stage years ago, is one of this year’s production assistants.
Who could have imagined that a single night—one that changed Porter’s life—would one day help support the education of young women in Puerto Vallarta?
Francie Nguyen immediately recognized Porter’s passion and commitment when Porter first reached out in January 2023 about partnering on a charity show.
“Mary had a vision, the drive, and an incredible level of commitment,” Nguyen says. “She’s also extremely organized—like me—so I was confident we could make the first Stars With a Heart happen.”
Just two months later, the inaugural Stars With a Heart premiered in March 2023.
From the outset, the show has been renowned for its diverse array of performers. Each year’s lineup includes local Mexican talent alongside headliners from New York City, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and Broadway tours. Musical styles range from rock and country to show tunes and classical.
The show is intentionally scheduled in the late afternoon, allowing performers to participate without disrupting evening performances across Puerto Vallarta’s many venues—a choice that has helped attract such a diverse and talented roster.
Performers for the 2026 show include Nicolas King, Ada Vox, Salvatore Rodriguez, Gabe Arciniega, Patriz, David Sabella, Myra & Martin, Stephanie Wright Watts, Robert Ryan, Alison Lo, Sargento Dan, Bobbie Goddard, Tromba Ventusta, Seth Sikes, Stolie, and Kimberly La Rue’s Follies.
And, according to Porter, there may even be a surprise guest—but audiences will have to attend to find out.
One of the most moving moments of last year’s show came from the Vallarta School for Girls Choir. There were more than a few tears in the audience as attendees watched the students—many performing on a large stage for the very first time—experience the magic of Teatro Vallarta and the warmth of a full, supportive house.
The choir will return in 2026, coached by Stolie and Kimberly La Rue, who are guiding the girls in both singing and choreography.
There’s little doubt it will once again be one of the evening’s most unforgettable moments.
Porter and Nguyen are quick to acknowledge that Stars With a Heart is very much a team effort. While their experience, skills, and organizational talents set the foundation, they emphasize that it truly takes a small village to bring the show to life.
With no time for full rehearsals, Porter and her production team—Crist P. Thomas, Derek Carkner, and Sarah Joy Herbert—plan every detail well in advance, spending the days and hours leading up to the show fine-tuning lighting, sound, and special effects to ensure a seamless performance. At the same time, Nguyen and her team focus on securing sponsors, selling tickets, and coordinating the pre-event reception for sponsors and special guests, creating an experience that feels polished and welcoming from start to finish.
When showtime arrives, Kevin Anthony, celebrating his fourth appearance as host of Stars With a Heart, takes the stage. With warmth, humor, and the effortless ease of a seasoned performer, he entertains the audience, introduces each act, and keeps the show flowing as smoothly as his voice.
As the final notes fade and the applause fills Teatro Vallarta, Stars With a Heart once again will prove that its true power lies not only in extraordinary talent, but in the shared belief that art can uplift, connect, and change lives. Through music, generosity, and community spirit, Mary Porter and Francie Nguyen have created more than a show—they have created a tradition that continues to open doors, inspire hope, and, this year, shine a lasting light on the future of young women in Puerto Vallarta.
Details and Tickets:
- Stars With A Heart
- Sunday, January 25, 2026
- 4:00–6:00 PM (Doors Open at 3:30 PM)
- Teatro Vallarta, Calle Uruguay 184, Colonia 5 de Diciembre
- Tickets: Buy here.
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