Over 350 people turned out at the 401 Club to enjoy a delicious linguica dinner and to support the Rio Vista Sister Cities Association student exchange fundraising event. Parents, students, and the Montezuma Fire Protection District worked hard preparing and serving the dinners. Proceeds from the dinner tickets sales will be used to send this year’s group of eighth-grade students to Japan.

Because of the situation in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami, it may be necessary to delay the June trip. Ron Jones, Chairman of the Rio Vistas Sister Cities Association, said, “Everyone is disappointed at the prospect of delaying the Japan trip, but the safety of the students and adult chaperones is top priority. We also do not want to burden the people of Tobishima as they deal with their nation‘s crisis.”

At a recent Sister Cities Association meeting with parents and students, there was a suggestion to help victims of the tragedy in Japan. It was decided to use the money raised from the raffle held during the linguica dinner for Japan relief. The raffle prizes were contributed by parents, our local merchants, and friends of the Association. The raffle ticket sales raised hundreds of dollars that will be sent to help the people of northeastern Japan.

The Sister Cities Associations thanks everyone for supporting the student exchange trip and the Japan disaster assistance program.