Tibbi’s Cyrano Shines for Ace-Shin

With its elegant ambience and warm hospitality, La Cala de Mijas – Cyrano restaurant transformed into a beacon of community spirit on Saturday, June 7th, as friends, sponsors, and supporters gathered for a heartfelt fundraiser supporting Ace-Shin. Hosted by the ever-welcoming Tibbi and his dedicated team, the event radiated generosity and goodwill that epitomise the Costa del Sol’s tight-knit community.

Guests were greeted with sunshine, laughter, and the smiles of fellow animal lovers as they entered Cyrano. Tibbi’s gracious hospitality set the tone for an afternoon dedicated to a cause close to many hearts—supporting the hundreds of animals in Ace-Shin’s care.

Ace’s passionate founder, Fabienne Paques, shared a moving update about the rescue’s journey. Over the past 25 years, the organisation has saved over 33,000 dogs—a remarkable testament to their dedication. However, Fabienne explained that the pandemic’s aftermath has stretched resources to breaking point, with a growing number of rescued animals requiring medical care and shelter maintenance. She expressed profound gratitude to the attendees, whose support was more vital than ever.

Marti Oliphant, always a champion for the animals, introduced “Operation Clean Up” – an urgent campaign to tackle overgrown reeds and bamboo surrounding the shelter. These pose both fire and snake risks, with a recent tragic snakebite claiming the life of a shelter dog. Marti’s passionate plea for funds touched everyone in the room. She praised the volunteers who tirelessly bathe, walk, and socialise the animals, highlighting Jackie’s dog-walking group and the “scrub-a-dog” initiative, which has grown to include 34 dedicated helpers.

As Cyrano’s staff served a delicious lunch, Martin Joseph’s classic Vegas tunes lifted the atmosphere even further, adding a touch of glamour to the afternoon. The energy in the room soared as Steven Euesden, co-founder of Euro Weekly News, took the stage to announce the raffle. His comedic prize calls, made all the more entertaining by the absence of his reading glasses, had the room in stitches. The afternoon’s lucky winner, Richard Eastwood, generously gifted his prizes back to Fabienne’s team.

The event aimed to raise €4,000, but only €2,550 had been collected by the afternoon’s end. Just when spirits threatened to dip, John and Lorraine Palmer of El Oceano – affectionately known as “the darlings of the coast” – stunned the room with a surprise €1,000 donation. Their incredible generosity brought the total to the much-needed target, ensuring the shelter’s urgent needs could be met.

Special mention went to the Garners of Channel 4’s “Sun, Sea and Selling Houses,” who travelled from Mojacar to lend their support. Sharon, known for her unwavering love of animals, currently cares for over 200 rescues at her home and is expanding her family’s Spanish Property Choice business to the Costa del Sol. Her presence underscored the community’s interconnected compassion.

The sense of unity and purpose was palpable as the event wrapped up. From unstoppable volunteers to generous donors, from Fabienne and Marti’s tireless advocacy to Tibbi and his fabulous team’s warm hospitality, the event showcased the Costa del Sol community at its very best – united in kindness, fuelled by love, and committed to making a difference.

In the end, community spirit, unwavering generosity, and love for animals made every moment at Cyrano shine brighter than the Costa del Sol sunshine.