Quality is North American Food Distributing Company's first inspiration for the Northern California Sake Fest. The 2,000-year-old Japanese “drink of the gods” is becoming popular in the United States but, with its relatively short history here, many Americans aren't able to tell good sake from bad. The event provides the chance to taste a variety of sakes and learn the differences that define a premium brand.

Children born with heart defects are the second inspiration for the event. Judy and Harley Inaba, who own North American Food Distributing, have a son who was born with transposed arteries and required cardiac surgery early in his life. They will celebrate his recovery and help children with similar conditions by donating a portion of the event proceeds to the UC Davis Children's Hospital Pediatric Heart Center.

Sake and other beverages will be provided by North American Food Distributing Company, the food by Sacramento-area sushi restaurants and the music by Koyasan Spirit of Children Taiko Group. Sponsors include Sacramento Magazine, Takara, Union Bank of California and Comcast.

Abnormalities of the heart are among the most common congenital defects, occurring in about 1 percent of all infants. Children with congenital heart problems receive expert evaluation, highly specialized procedures and heart surgery at UC Davis Pediatric Heart Center. For more information, visit www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/children/services/heart/.