Stars With a Heart: When Performance Becomes Purpose

Puerto Vallarta has long been known for its rich cultural life, where music, theater, and performance flourish alongside a strong sense of generosity and community involvement. Few events reflect that spirit as fully as Stars With a Heart, the popular charity showcase returning to Teatro Vallarta on Sunday, January 25, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Now in its fourth year, the event has firmly established itself as one of the city’s most meaningful and anticipated philanthropic entertainment experiences.

Stars With a Heart is more than an afternoon of exceptional performances. It is a gathering rooted in connection—between artists and audiences, creativity and compassion, and the performing arts and real-world impact. Each year, the show transforms the collective talents of Puerto Vallarta’s entertainment community into vital financial support for local nonprofit organizations.

The Vision Behind the Show

Stars With a Heart was created by international performer and recording artist Mary Porter in partnership with entrepreneur and philanthropist Francie Nguyen. What began as a heartfelt idea quickly evolved into a full-scale production with a clear mission: to unite artists across genres in support of causes that directly benefit the local community.

For Porter, the inspiration was deeply personal. After spending time in Mexico, she found herself profoundly affected by the warmth and generosity she experienced.

“I was inspired by the warmth and generosity of the Mexican people,” Porter says. “I wanted to give something meaningful back, and I wanted to do it in a way that celebrated the incredible talent that already exists here.”

From the beginning, Porter envisioned a show that would do more than raise money. She wanted Stars With a Heart to be a true showcase, highlighting excellence in performance while creating a shared sense of purpose. Every artist who takes part donates their time and talent, making the event a collaborative act of giving.

“It’s a win for everyone,” Porter explains. “The charities receive real support, the audience gets an unforgettable experience, and the performers have the chance to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

A Growing Record of Impact

Since its debut, Stars With a Heart has made a measurable difference. Over the course of its first three years, the event has raised more than 2 million pesos for local charities. The first two editions benefited the Vallarta Food Bank, now known as Vallarta Cares, helping to address food insecurity throughout the region.

Those early performances were hosted by Act2PV. Both shows sold out, raising more than 520,000 pesos and quickly establishing Stars With a Heart as a standout event on Puerto Vallarta’s entertainment calendar.

In 2025, the show reached a major milestone when it moved to the much larger Teatro Vallarta. That sold-out performance raised more than 1.5 million pesos for the Vallarta School for Girls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, stability, and opportunity to girls from underserved backgrounds. The success of that evening set the stage for an even more ambitious return in 2026.

This year’s performance will once again benefit the Vallarta School for Girls, reinforcing the show’s ongoing commitment to education and empowerment for young women in the community.

Finding Home in Puerto Vallarta

Porter’s connection to Puerto Vallarta began unexpectedly during a vacation in 2019. What was meant to be a short visit quickly turned into something far more significant.

She recalls feeling an immediate and powerful sense that she belonged here. Within two weeks, she returned with two suitcases and no established contacts, ready to start over in a city that had already captured her heart.

While exploring the local arts scene, Porter attended a performance by Enrique de Allende. By chance, she ended up singing at the piano bar that same night—an experience that would prove life-changing.

“That moment changed my life,” Porter says. “It showed me not only what was possible here artistically, but how welcoming and supportive this community truly is.”

Years later, those early connections have come full circle. Audience members she met during that first performance are now sponsors of Stars With a Heart, and performers who once shared the stage with her have become part of the show’s production team.

A Partnership Built on Shared Purpose

Francie Nguyen became involved in early 2023, when she and Porter first connected over their shared passion for philanthropy and community-focused initiatives. Nguyen immediately recognized both the heart behind the project and Porter’s ability to bring it to life.

“Mary had the passion, the drive, and the organization to make it happen,” Nguyen says. “I knew we could do this together.”

Within just two months, the first Stars With a Heart premiered. Since then, Nguyen has overseen sponsorships, ticket sales, and donor engagement, including a pre-show reception for supporters and special guests. Her role has been instrumental in ensuring the event’s financial success and continued growth.

A Showcase of Extraordinary Talent

One of the defining features of Stars With a Heart is the diversity and caliber of its performers. Each year’s lineup includes local Mexican talent alongside artists with backgrounds in New York City, Broadway tours, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and major regional productions.

Musical styles range widely, encompassing rock, pop, country, classical, and show tunes. The late-afternoon scheduling has been intentional from the start, allowing performers to participate without conflicting with evening shows across the city. The result is a lineup that is both broad and deeply impressive.

The 2026 roster includes 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. As in previous years, Porter hints that a surprise guest may also take the stage.

Moments That Resonate

While Stars With a Heart is filled with standout performances, some of its most powerful moments come from the beneficiaries themselves. At last year’s event, the Vallarta School for Girls Choir delivered a performance that left much of the audience visibly moved. For many of the students, it was their first time performing on a stage of that size, in front of a sold-out theater.

As the final notes faded, the audience rose in a standing ovation—a moment that captured the spirit of the event in its purest form.

The choir will return for the 2026 show, once again coached by Stolie and Kimberly La Rue, and is expected to be one of the afternoon’s most memorable highlights.

Behind the Scenes

Producing a show of this scale requires careful planning and a dedicated team. Porter works closely with Crist P. Thomas, Derek Carkner, and Sarah Joy Herbert, who collectively manage the production’s complex logistics, often with limited rehearsal time.

Nguyen and her team focus on sponsorships, ticketing, and donor relations, ensuring the event’s philanthropic goals are met. When the lights go up, Kevin Anthony—returning for his fourth year as host—guides the audience through the afternoon with warmth, humor, and ease.

More Than Entertainment

As the final applause fills Teatro Vallarta, Stars With a Heart once again proves that entertainment can do more than delight—it can change lives. Through music, generosity, and collaboration, the show continues to support education, uplift young women, and strengthen the bonds that define Puerto Vallarta’s artistic community.

With each passing year, Stars With a Heart shines a little brighter, reminding audiences that when art meets purpose, the impact can be truly extraordinary.

How to Attend or Support

Stars With a Heart takes place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Teatro Vallarta. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, as the event has sold out in previous years. Attendees are encouraged to secure their seats early and be part of an afternoon where world-class entertainment directly supports education and opportunity for young women in Puerto Vallarta.

For those unable to attend in person, there are still meaningful ways to support the mission. Donations in any amount can be made directly to the Vallarta School for Girls, helping to fund education, resources, and programs that change lives. Contributions can be made through the organization’s official website or designated donation channels.

Whether you take a seat in the theater or choose to give from afar, supporting Stars With a Heart means investing in talent, community, and a brighter future for the girls it serves.