Silvian Centiu Performs 'A Transylvanian in Silicon Valley' for Romania Animal Rescue; Acclaimed One-Man Show Seeks to Raise Awareness and Funds to Help Thousands of Homeless Animals.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Bay Area playwright Silvian Centiu will give a benefit performance of his critically acclaimed one-man show, "A Transylvanian in Silicon Valley," for Romania Animal Rescue (RAR), Inc., October 28 at The Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. The event with support from In Defense of Animals (www.idausag.org) and 2nd Chance 4 Pets (www.2ndchance4pets.org) seeks to raise funds to improve the lives of thousands of homeless animals in Romania.

In "A Transylvanian in Silicon Valley," Centiu tells of his harrowing and hilarious experiences emigrating from Ceausescu's Romania to make a better life for himself in Silicon Valley. Centiu has performed the play in the Bay Area and New York as well as in Europe and Africa. More information about the play is available at http://www.atransylvanian.com/.

Funds raised from the performance will go to support RAR's ongoing efforts to establish comprehensive spay/neuter programs in Romania and provide food and medical attention to the animals currently on the streets or in kennels. Many of the shelters in Romania are overcrowded with as many as ten dogs living together in a pen smaller than 15 square feet. Food, water, and medicine are all too infrequent.

Nancy Janes, RAR founder and executive director, said, "We are extremely grateful to Silvian for his generous donation which will help support RAR's efforts to make a difference for the animals in Romania. We know everyone who attends this performance will come away with a far greater understanding of Romania and the conditions the country endured for many years -- conditions which in turn have resulted in the dire situation of the animals there today. We also appreciate the support of IDA and 2nd Chance 4 Pets to help make this performance possible."

The evening entertainment begins with pre-show gathering at 6:30 p.m. with food and no host drinks followed by the performance at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for the benefit are $25 Advance and $30 at the door, with a special senior discount of $20. They are on sale now at the Ft. Mason Foundation Box Office, Middle Pier, Herbst Pavilion, San Francisco; phone [phone].

About Romania Animal Rescue

Founded in January of 2003, the Romania Animal Rescue (RAR), Inc. has had one goal -- to save animals in Romania through values, education, and kindness. Since its formation, RAR has helped establish one of the best shelters in Eastern Europe and saved countless dogs and cats. The organization works with a trusted vet and also when possible buys Romanian products to promote the message that animal well-being enhances human well-being.

Headquartered in Livermore, Calif., RAR is a United States 501c3 non-profit. Organizations who support RAR's efforts include the Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International, the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA), The Avrum Katz Foundation and the Cecelia Rose Foundation. Information on RA is available at www.romaniaanimalrescue.com.