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Peace, love from Sonoma

 Editor, Index-Tribune:

On March 27, at the Moose Lodge in Sonoma, there was a fundraiser called, "Love to Japan from Sonoma," to help the American Red Cross in the relief effort because of the earthquake and tsunami that battered that country.

In just seven days, my husband, Bryan Byrd, and I, along with Karen Stern and her family, put together this amazing and successful event. We had donations from all over this town, to the tune of thousands of dollars in gifts for a huge raffle. We had six bands, a sound system, posters, security at the door, a chef, food, two bartenders, the ladies of the Moose with baked goods, free-flowing wine, a jump house, crafts and projects for the kids, a tarot card reader, beautiful art galore, and great help from our local and caring newpapers, in seven days. All donated!

This, my friends, is the Sonoma I love so much. Thank you to this community.

I had an idea and I wanted to do something for Japan in her time of need. On March 29, my husband and I drove to the American Red Cross and handed them a check for $4,500.

What can I say? I was asked after that would I do it again, in that short amount of time? I of course said yes. I can only imagine what we could do in 10 days. We had about 245 people attend, and a bunch of kids. We only took donations at the door, ranging from the change in a bag from a li'l guy 6-years-old, to what ever people could afford.

I love this town, my home. To the people of Japan, we wish you peace and love from Sonoma. 

Penny Byrd

Sonoma