And Now, the Numbers

We received a load of photos on February 10, just in time to give you a pictorial overview of what this year’s Zihuatanejo Sailfest was like. But at that time we hadn’t yet received the numbers — and they are impressive.

As we often explain, each year Sailfest features a diversity of both on-the-water and off-the-water activities, all of which contain a fundraising component, with the proceeds going to built or support local schools for disadvantaged indigenous children. 

"What a magic year!" says longtime Z-Fest organizer Lorenzo Marbut. "We raised over 1,000,000 pesos — a new record." At today’s exchange rate that’s just over $75,000 USD. Z-Fest typically raises more funds for charity than any other cruiser-fueled fundraiser in Mexico. But this total is truly jaw-dropping compared to previous efforts. 

A big chunk of that total came from a single source: Nine-year-old Austin Brown of Springdale, Arkansas donated $21,000 USD. When we ran his photo in our previous report holding a huge ceremonial check, we naturally assumed he was doing so on behalf of his parents, Greg and Sharon Brown. Wrong. Believe it or not, Austin actually earned the cash himself by selling "snow" at weekend craft fairs. It’s a salt-like polymer powder that expands rapidly when water is added, and feels cool to the touch as the water slowly evaporates. (Marketed as Instant Snow on the Internet.) Austin and his family first came to Zihua on a church mission, and they’ve returned three times since, largely to assist with Z-Fest. 

"It’s been an amazing journey with Austin," says his proud father. "He’s taken his newfound fame rather in stride though. If anything, it appears only to have energized him to continue. His mother and I are simply his support system." And they reward his generosity with gifts of Legos. 

Austin’s accomplishment inspired another volunteer, retired school teacher Jane Fiala to donate $10,000 USD for a kitchen at a proposed new school. "Que Milagro!" says Lorenzo. (What a miracle!)