THE STORY BEHIND THE SMILES

The International Friendship Club (IFC) began in 1985 as a simple social gathering of expats from the U.S. and Canada - but it quickly became something much more. That same year, founding members Celia and Ron Walker learned of a friend’s baby in Puerto Vallarta born with a cleft palate. They found a surgeon in Guadalajara, covered the costs, and changed that child’s life.

Word spread. More children needed help than they could transport. So Ron reached out to the surgeon, Dr. Ezequiel Fuentes, who agreed to come to Puerto Vallarta every three months. That act of kindness became the foundation of IFC’s flagship initiative The Cleft Palate Program

Today, this life-changing program continues thanks to the dedication of IFC volunteers and the generosity of local homeowners who open their doors for our now-famous Home Tours - the primary source of funding. Without these tours, the Cleft Palate Program simply wouldn’t exist.

The IFC may have started as a social club, but our mission has grown. We’re here to connect, to give back, and to build a stronger community together. Your support - whether as a member, donor, or homeowner- makes it all possible.

The IFC is a registered charitable organization in Mexico listed as Club Internacional de la Amistad.