A Valentine themed “Taste and Talent of OCBC” sponsored by the BEC on February 12, 2011, was a big success. With the tremendous help and support of volunteers and the Sangha, the event raised $8650.00 which was donated to the 50th Anniversary Building Upon a Dream Fund. The BEC committee would like to thank and acknowledge the amazing chefs who prepared ample amounts of delectable dishes which were enjoyed by everyone. The chefs were Lori Cantley, Beth Fujishige and Paradise Perks, Rev. Harada and Freddy, Viki Yamashita and Rick Maxson, Jeff Sakamoto, Shannon Sayama, and Phyllis Uyemura. The talent show was top-notch thanks to great performers Daion Taiko, Barbershop Quartet ( Jeff Morris, Kenton Hawkins, Peter Burt, Fred Reed), Jin Swun, Christina Aguinaga and Gary Fukushima, The Kicks ( Scott Beachley, Brian du Charme, Victor Ferguson), Steve Nakauchi, Sayuri Nishi, Connor Fujishige, Emily Turner and Players (Namy Folick, Rev. Harada, Rumi Nakatani, Cory Provost, Linda and Jon Turner), and the Progressive Taiko (Keiko Harada, Elizabeth Ishida, Craig Ishii, Kene Kubo, David Wells, Joe Small) and the MC’s, Mark Van Dyke and Angela Kong. We also thank our generous table sponsors – Beth Fujishige, Carolyn Fujishige, Gonsaku and Mine Ito, and Tak and Terry Kosakura. Our special thanks to photographers Richard Hiroshima and Harry Koike, audio-visual team Alan Maruyama, David Okino, and Kent Suzuki, sign and banner designers Linda and Kristin Okino and Boy Scout Troop #578 for set-up. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the countless donors of monetary contributions, raffle prizes and other items, and to the wonderful volunteers who worked so hard to make this event fun and enjoyable for everyone. Sorry, there is not enough space to list everyone but you know who you are – thank you very much. Last but not least, congratulations to our grand prize winner of the TV – Mark Kosakura!

In Gassho,

Irene Yamanishi, Taste & Talent Chairman