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Salvatore Rodriguz, a beloved member of the Vallarta LGBTQ+ community and a local entertainer (pianist), recently suffered a heart attack, amassing a medical bill of more than $300,000 pesos.
A benefit held on March 12, 2024 at Hotel Mercurio has raised more than $80,000 pesos to help offset the cost of medical expenses.
The benefit, organized by local singer Alberto “El Diamante” Cuevas and Hotel Mercurio Owner Paul Crist, included $33,217 pesos collected from tips (donated by the performers and given by attendees) along with a donation $6,510 pesos from Hotel Mercurio – which donated its bar sales from 4 to 6 p.m. An anonymous donor at the event agreed to match the amount raised, which brings the total amount close to $80,000.
Salvatore, who could not be at the event as he is at home recovering, expressed his gratitude on social media.
“I want to express my deep appreciation to the community and everyone involved,” he wrote.
(Left to right) Benny Rodriguez and Beto Sempere; Brenda Gaviño and (bottom) Alison Lo were performers who all donated their time and tips to help Salvatore. Photos by Oscar Almeida.
Crist said that the generous donations “will go a very long way to paying his medical debt and keeping him going until he can play again.” He told the audience that most entertainers in Puerto Vallarta do not have insurance because they work as independent contractors and are not eligible to be on Mexico’s health insurance, IMSS.
Cuevas said he appreciated all of the performers donating their time and coming together to help a fellow entertainer.
Salvatore’s husband, Fabio Nelson Torres, was at the event where he thanked everyone for their generosity.
Performers participating included:
Alberto Cuevas, Alison Lo, Brenda Gaviño, Benny Rodriguez, Beto Sempere and Alonso’s Sax Show.
A live auction was held for a custom embroidery artwork donated by Martita Jaramillo – which was purchased for $1,500 pesos.
Another benefit has been organized for Mar 16, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Qulture.
All tips from this event will go directly to Salvatore. Donations can also be made at paypal.me/pianistasalvatore
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