PORTLAND, Ore. – April 12, 2011 – KANPAI! is a sake tasting event established and supported by Portland-area sake professionals and enthusiasts seeking to raise awareness and funds to help the survivors of Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. The venue, 40-50 sakes, food from several local restaurants, music and staffing have all generously been donated, allowing every dollar raised to go directly to support Mercy Corps’ relief efforts. A silent auction will also be available at the event with all sale proceeds being contributed to Mercy Corps’ Japan Earthquake Fund.
WHAT: Kanpai! Empty Your Glass for Japan Sake Tasting
WHEN: Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 5 pm to 8 pm
WHERE: Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison Street, Portland, Oregon
COST: Minimum donation of $30 per person (100% tax deductible)
* Attendees must be 21 years of age or older; minors not allowed
Mercy Corps is working to help survivors of Japan's earthquake and tsunami with its longstanding partner, Peace Winds. They have delivered emergency supplies — including large shelters, tents, kerosene space heaters, blankets, instant rice and fresh produce — to families evacuated from their homes in four tsunami-stricken cities in northeastern Japan.
Mercy Corps has also launched a psychosocial program to help children recover from the emotional effects of the disaster, and is making steps to begin an economic recovery program in the tsunami-affected north. Donations will be used to meet immediate and longer-term needs of earthquake survivors.
For more information and to RSVP, visit: http://www.mercycorps.org/
KANPAI! is hosted by Fox 12 News anchor Julie Grauert and will feature 40-50 premium sakes selected especially for this event from the finest sake breweries in the world. Oregon is one of the top sake markets in the country and has long been a market of distinction for brewers in Japan. Sake brewer and State Sake Category Manager for Young's Columbia Wine company, Marcus Pakiser, will be available to discuss sake in depth and provide up to date industry information.
Supporters: Young’s Columbia Wine Company, SakeOne, Holocene, Departure Restaurant and Lounge, Kin Restaurant, Yuzu Restaurant, Wassabi | Pan Asian Cuisine, Joto Sake, Hakutsuru Sake/Dreyfus Ashby, Vine Connections, Domaine Selections/Niigata Sake Selections, Winebow Sake, Tyku Sake, Fiji Water, Sapporo, Asahi, and Willamette Week.
Music: provided by Takohachi Taiko and Araki Kodo VI