Mendocino Strong Together is the theme of a fundraiser planned by local community members on Saturday, November 4 from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds.

Mendocino Strong Together is a chance to change the lives of the survivors of the Redwood Complex Fire. There will be delicious food, talented entertainers, a silent auction and an exciting live auction… and most of all, a time to gather with our friends and neighbors as a community to begin the rebuilding phase of the terrible fire losses in Redwood and Potter Valleys. Every dollar collected at this event will go to a deserving family or business in need.

The event includes tri-tip and taco dinner, a stellar silent auction with music during these festivities by Alex DeGrassi, Margie Rice, Spencer Brewer, Ed Reinhart, Train Singer Greg Schindel and others, and a one of a kind ‘Only in Mendocino’ live auction hosted by Tom Allman. After dinner dance party music will be with Waylon and the Wildcats and the Johnny Young Band.

The outpouring from Mendocino County’s artists, businesses, entertainers, wineries, breweries, hospitals, radio stations and volunteers is over the top for Mendocino Strong together, the fundraiser to assist families, neighbors and friends after the horrific Redwood and Potter Valley fires.

Greg Schindel, The Train Singer will greet attendees at the door with his uplifting repertoire. Once inside, music by local performers fill the hall from 4pm until 10 pm. Opening the onstage music is the Margie Rice String Quartet, followed by Alex DeGrassi, Spencer Brewer, Ed Reinhart, Paula Samonte, John Mattern, and friends. The place gets rocking around 8pm when Waylon and the Wildcats take the stage followed by the Johnny Young Band.

Sheriff Tom Allman shares his magic as auction maestro and master of ceremonies will be State Senator Mike McGuire for the Emcee beginning at 6:30 pm. Silent and live auctions feature unique lots including custom made benches, a life size horse from Willits Furniture, a child’s John Deere Tractor, 49er tickets, a private plane excursion and stay, many several day stays with luxury accommodations, private dinners and concert, too many wines to list, fabulous baskets from individuals throughout the county and much more.

Art donations include an exquisite vessel by the internationally known Potter Valley artist Red Wolf. Other artists, chefs and entrepreneurs affected by the fire are putting items together including Jan Hoyman, Ken Chapman of Habitat, and caterer Kristin Myers.

Destination items include a condo in Squaw Valley, a Hawaiian home, Charlie and Martha Barra’s Marfino overlooking the ocean in Fort Bragg and more. Howard Memorial Hospital donated a gift basket worth one thousand dollars.

Dinner is served from 4:00 to 7:00 and is a choice of taco and sides by Chavez Market, the Tri-Tip feast is prepared by the Redwood Empire Lions, Anderson Valley Lions and Willits Lions Club plus a vegetarian selection of risotto and amazing salad. Full bar service by Ukiah Host Lions.

Beer is from North Coast Brewing and Eagle Distributing. Handley, Fetzer, Barra, Frey, Parducci and Destination Hopland donated cases of wine. Coyote Valley Casino is providing water and soft drinks. And there will be appetizers and desserts.

Donations for Mendocino Strong Together are coming from near and far. North Coast Brewing Company, Beckstoffer Vineyards and MendoFutures contributed $10,000 each. Bob Perkowski designed a t-shirt of which more than 100 have already been sold.

Auction items are needed for the Grand Local Auction of Great Items. Contact Lana Eberhard at 467-1018 at the Mendocino College Foundation to donate. Auction donations may be dropped off at the 1000 Hensley Creek Road from 9:00 am-12:00 and 1:00-4:00 pm. Deadline is November 1 at 4:00 pm.

Financial donations to support Mendocino Strong Together may be made at any branch of the Savings Bank of Mendocino County. All donations are going directly to those in need, are tax deductible and are being managed without a fee by North Coast Opportunities. Anyone who was displaced or is in need of assistance may go to the Local Assistance Center at Mendocino College and find information on many kinds of assistance from state and local agencies, including quick relief from NCO.

More information and updates are available at the Mendocino Strong Together Facebook page and www.MendocinoStrongTogether.com