Wine and cupcakes for Japan

No, not together! But this will be a busy weekend for fundraising to help the survivors of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan.

My friend Emiko (who helped teach the Kindergarteners how to fold paper cranes) has been a non-stop dynamo in organizing help for Japan. This weekend, she is hosting a Sake and Wine tasting benefit for American Red Cross in Japan.

The event will feature wine tasting, led by sommelier Rachel Collier, Takara sake, Sapporo beer, as well as appetizers and desserts. Come join us!

Sake and Wine Tasting

Saturday, April 2, 2011

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Moorpark Hotel

4241 Moorpark Avenue

San Jose, CA 95129

There is no entrance fee, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross. Special thanks to Moorpark Hotel, Henry Group, Takara Co., Sapporo, Whole Foods Campbell, Edible Arangements, Dolce Bella Chocolate, and others.

Space is limited, so respond soon. Participants must be 21 or older. Call your sitter and enjoy a good food, good wine, and most importantly — a good cause.

Bakesale for Japan

For a family-friendly way to help out Japan, check out Bakesale for Japan, taking place in many locations around the country this Saturday, April 2, 2011. Do you ever see something on a food blog and wish you could just stop by their house and have a taste? Well, here’s your chance. All kinds of foodies and bloggers are teaming up with professional bakeries for this event, so you never know what goodies you’ll find.

The San Jose Bakesale for Japan will take place at Roy’s Station coffeeshop in Japantown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check out my article on Examiner.com or visit Canning With Kids — the blog of local event organizer Paige Bayer — for more information.

Update on the paper cranes: I just received a shipping label from Students Rebuild, and the kids are signing cards in class today. I’ll be taking class photos and hopefully shipping the cranes tomorrow!