Reuniting a pair of key fundraisers for the first time in many years, the Napa Valley Unity League and Napa designer Michael Holmes will stage the Napa Valley Academy Awards Gala Black Tie and Black T-shirt Parties at Sterling Vineyards on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 5 to 11 p.m.

Hosted by Sterling Vineyards and the winery’s parent firm, Diageo, this year’s combined event will benefit the AIDS Outreach and Prevention Programs at Queen of the Valley medical Center’s Care Network.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the annual Napa Valley fundraising event for AIDS outreach and prevention, as well as the 80th anniversary of the Academy Awards presentation.

“Sterling Vineyards has graciously stepped up as the lead corporate and hosting sponsor for the combined 2008 Gala Black Tie and Black T-shirt Parties,” said NVUL spokesman Chris Edwards.

Co-Chairs Michael Holmes and Chris Edwards will lead this year’s event, featuring live entertainment, the awards on the Big Screen, Black Tie Dinner, Black T-shirt Dance with DJ Rotten Robbie, food stations staffed by more than two dozen Napa Valley chefs and more. The Hollywood-themed silent auction, raffle and balloon prize offering will be open to all attendees, with both Black Tie and Black T-shirt guests mingling at the bidding tables for the good of the cause.

What was begun as a small, private Oscar Night party two decades ago — by a few friends with a heart, some great food and lots of Napa Valley wine — has evolved into a Napa Valley tradition with lots of Oscar Night glamor.

Today, this event is the largest single night fundraising event in the Napa Valley dedicated to HIV/AIDS services through the Queen of the Valley Hospital’s Care Network. Through the generosity of individual underwriters, gala ticket buyers, black T-shirt ticket buyers, volunteers and corporate donors, the vital work of the Care Network at the Queen of the Valley continues in providing critical services to those living with HIV and AIDS.

There are two distinct tickets for the local Oscars fundraiser — the Gala Passport and Black T-shirt Party.

The Gala Passport is an all-inclusive ticket that includes a ride on the tram to the top of Sterling Vineyards. Ticketholders will be greeted with great wines as they get off the tram. Next they can explore the beauty of the winery and overlook the valley and taste appetizers from 25 of Napa Valley's finest restaurants. They’ll take the tram back down to a formal sit-down dinner with featured courses from well-known Napa Valley chefs. All drinks are included in this passport ticket. During dinner, guests will be able to watch the awards telecast on a variety of screens, then be entertained with a special post-Oscars show and finally end the night with a dance presided over by DJ Rotten Robbie.

The Black T-shirt ticket includes a ride on the tram to the top of Sterling Vineyards where guests will be able to taste Sterling wines and sample some of the finger foods provided by the event’s guest chefs. They can take the tram back down to watch the remainder of the awards telecast on the variety of screens surrounded by friends, be tempted by the hundreds of silent auction prizes awaiting bids, and continue to dine on the evening’s hors d’oeuvres. A special show follows the telecast, with the event ending with a dance and great music by DJ Rotten Robbie. (Note: This ticket requires on-site purchase of drink coupons for wine and spirits tastings.)

Until Jan. 30, advance Gala Passport tickets are offered at $155. After that date, remaining tickets will be offered at $175.

Discounted general admission tickets for the Black T-shirt Party are $42.50 through Jan. 30. After that date, they are $50.

Both tickets can be purchased now online at www.napavalleyacade myawards.org. As of Feb. 1, Black T-shirt tickets will also be sold at Antiques on Second, 1370 Second St., Napa.