Bobby Valentine is heading an effort to raise funds for Japanese disaster relief. From the press release:

Guests at Stamford on the Sound, an outdoor, tented event, will sample an array of the highest caliber of wines produced by the world’s most prestigious wineries. Attendees will also have the opportunity to savor a variety of culinary specialties from the area’s best-known eateries and catering facilities, as well as from leading restaurants in New York City. While enjoying the food and wine, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring an array of items including one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia to trips and get away weekends.

Bobby Valentine’s interest in helping the victims of the disaster is both professional and personal, having lived and managed the Chiba Motte Marines in Japan for almost seven years. “Japan needs all of the help we are able to provide,” enthuses Valentine. “Everyone involved in this effort is committed to making sure that the money raised directly assists the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. It will take time for Japan to recover, and it will require both short-term emergency assistance and long-term aid. I am committed to a sustained effort to assist Japan’s recovery effort.”

Among the confirmed guests are a variety of baseball greats, including former New York Knicks Player Herb Williams, former New York Mets and New York Yankees player Darryl Strawberry, former pitcher for the New York Mets David Cone, former Major League Baseball player, coach, and manager Lee Mazzilli, American Major League Baseball executive for the New York Yankees Brian Cashman, and former General Manager of the New York Mets Omar Minaya. For $100, you get to eat, drink and meet good food, good wine and baseball stars. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday evening and help disaster victims.