On behalf of the Lake County Milers running/walking club, I would like to express our gratitude to the 2009 sponsors of the seventh annual Spring Has Sprung 1K/5K/10K event on May 30. This was one of the best “Spring Has Sprung” events ever.

Topping the list was our star sponsor, Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District (HVLCSD).

HVL CSD provided our event t-shirts, which promoted their water-awareness campaign, along with the popular race bags.

Our other star sponsor, Crazy Creek Gliderport, provided and prepared the gorgeous, unique venue where the event took place.

Next up were silver sponsors Hardester’s Markets and Happy Smiles Dental Practice, which have both faithfully supported Spring Has Sprung since its inception in 2003. The Milers also were thrilled to have St. Helena Hospital Clearlake Adventist Health on board as a silver sponsor this year. The sunblock they gave to each race bag was a crowd-pleaser.

Repeat bronze sponsors Hidden Valley Food Mart (home of the Famous Breakfast Burrito), Airport Auto Brokers (Lakeport), Hidden Valley Auto Body and Langtry Estate Vineyards and Winery (which donated wine) are much appreciated.

New bronze sponsors this year were Morgan Lane Real Estate (which donated pens for each race bag), Century 21 and Chic Le Chef catering of Hidden Valley Lake, whose pre- and post-race snacks were a big hit.

I would also like to thank Tina Chiotti-Stewart of Middletown Florist and Gifts for donating our photo-trophies, Carol Christe of HVL for providing post-race massages, and Gary Nylander, owner of the Oaks Red & White Store, for donating two cases of fruit for our event.

Rob Roy Golf Course provided 18 holes of golf for two and a golf cart, awarded to the male winner of the 10K race. Twin Pine Casino donated a $50 dining gift certificate, awarded to the female winner of the 10K race.

The support of the above businesses enabled the Milers to execute another premier event, drawing participants from numerous counties. As a result, the Milers were able to give $1,100 to nonprofit “Operation Tango Mike,” whose mission is to send care packages to our troops overseas. Without the 19 volunteers from Tango Mike, the Milers couldn’t have pulled off the event as we did, and they deserve our support in return.

Thanks again, Lake County businesses. We appreciate you.

Jeanine Burnett is president and race director for the Lake County Milers. She lives in Hidden Valley Lake.