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Arts & Entertainment

Napa to Hold Iwanuma Benefit March 27

From the Napa Valley Opera House.

The and the are co-sponsoring a fund-raiser with downtown restaurants and area wineries to benefit Napa's sister city in Japan, according to an announcement released Friday by the Opera House:

In the wake of the massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan’s east cost, Napa Valley citizens are coming to the aid of Napa’s sister city, Iwanuma.

Immediate plans for a fund-raiser in support of Iwanuma have been spearheaded by Yountville town resident , who serves on the town council, with an event to be held at the Opera House on Sunday, March 27.

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“Over the years, our sister city ties with Iwanuma have made it possible for many local people to form relationships with people in Japan,” said Napa Mayor Jill Techel.

“Since Napa is the kind of place where people always want to help, it’s heartwarming to see this event develop from the grassroots. My hat is off to all those who are working a record-breaking speed to pull it together and raise funds for our friends in Iwanuma, and I encourage the community to donate and attend on March 27.”

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Premium tickets for the event are $75 and include admission to both the 3pm reception and 4pm performance.

The reception will include complimentary wine tastings, food from a number of Napa restaurants and a silent auction.

General tickets providing access to the 4pm performance only are $35 (adults), $15 (18 and under).

The performance will feature Taiko drummers, martial arts sword combat, performances by choirs and dancers honoring the Japanese culture, in addition to readings and guest speakers. Additional details will be announced in coming days and listed on the web at: www.NVOH.org.

Funds raised will be distributed directly to the Iwanuma local governing body.

“I visited Japan many years ago and planned to stay for a year. I stayed for two. The Japanese people are wonderful, stoic and the response to their plight has been overwhelming in the Valley,” said Dorenbecher.

Charles Ray was one of the original Sister City Committee members in 1973 and noted that the citizens of Iwanuma immediately came to the support of Napa after the Valley’s September 2000 earthquake. News is sparse from the ravaged shoreline town, located just twenty miles south of Sendai. However, reports state that countless residents were affected by the tragic events. Support is pouring in from various sources.

If you are interested in participating in this event, please e-mail maritadorenbecher@sbcglobal.net

Event sponsors include the Napa Valley Opera House and the City of Napa.

Participating restaurants include , , and .

Wineries pouring at the reception include Cornerstone Cellars, Jessup Cellars, Grgich Hills and Peju.

Wine and silent auction donors include Markham Vineyards, Dalla Valle Vineyards, Cornerstone Vineyards, Setsuo Okawa and Eagle Vines Golf Course.

From the Napa Valley Opera House.

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