Lower Lake High School grad Timothy Cortez was the lucky winner of a 40-inch big screen television at the recent Sober Grad Night party. Photo courtesy of Jeri Spittler.

Sober Grad Night at Lower Lake High School was fantastic. So many people came together to make this night possible.

I would like to thank all the business and all the special people who worked all day and then all night to make it happen.

At the top of my list: Sears for the 40-inch big screen television, which was the bait on the hook that I needed for such a late start on a Sober Grade Night that the kids had been told all year they were not going to have.

Becky Whimeyer, from Becky's In Home Care, spent a lot of money, even had paid employees to help us set up. This event would not have been possible without her help.

Tess Long – girl you keep those kids going all night long. You are one in a million.

Barbara from Burger Time, you are awesome. She helped keep those kids going in activities all night long. Thank you for talking to your brother, Andre, who owns Silk's Bar and Grill; that pool table was a hit.

Guy Strohmeier's Auto Center in Lakeport was very generous at such short notice and donated a $750. down payment on a used car.

Renee from Valley Glass ran around and picked up bags and cheesecake that Konocti Vista Casino donated and stopped by Epidendio's to get some t-shirts. She also hit up Walmart and got four $25 gift certificates.

Theresa Hernandez from Cabo's Mexican restaurant made the best chili verde, with yummy chips and salsa and beans, too.

Tom Hewlett had his camera ready and took some great pictures and burned CDs. They are great; what a nice man to stay up all night with us.

Dan at Griffin's Furniture made all the moving of pool table, shuffleboard and Girlfriends salon furniture possible. He got it there and loaned us the truck to get it back.

Bob at Bob's Vacuum donated all the paper goods.

Donations and help also came the Highlands Senior Center, Hospice Services of Lake County, Safeway, Grocery Outlet, Foods Etc., Westamerica Bank (which donated a basket of money totaling $100), the staff from Girlfriends, Clearlake Cottages and Marina, Animal Hospital of Clearlake, One Stop Automotive, Alba Ruport, Four Corners, Lake County Fire Protection, Fawn Williams, Jonelle Grandi, Neb, Joe and Joe's Family (school custodians). These were the best people I have ever worked with to throw a party.

Most of all I want to bring attention to the great group of kids who came to Sober Grad Night. They had great attitudes all night.

Good luck in your future endeavors. You are the new generation that can and will make a difference in this world.

And, as for myself, it was my pleasure.

Jeri Spittler lives in Clearlake.