Thank you, Lake County, for another fabulous, fun fundraiser.

The Rotary Club of Middletown’s 19th annual Crab Feast and Auctions was once again a rousing success. The many auction items were original, varied and interesting, and folks were as generous as ever. We truly live in a great community where even a recession hasn’t dampened our giving spirit.

Special thanks to our major sponsor, Calpine Corp., and to our other sponsors: Catholic Charities Lake County Programs, Clover Lake Dairy, Fox Marble & Granite, the Hoberg Family, LaTrease’s Sassy Scissors, Pat and Jon Meyer, Middletown Animal Hospital, Morgan Lane Real Estate, Elisabeth Rusth, St. Helena Hospital-Clearlake, U.S. Coast Guard Auxilliary, Westamerica Bank and the Perkins-Whitney Family. Rick Hamilton’s RAH Signs showed off our sponsors, and David Neft set up our sound system and offered himself as an auction item.

Thanks also to Tri-Counties Bank for the credit card terminal and savings bond, to Hardester’s Market for the grand grand door prize, and to Karen Jones and her Floral Design Class for the nautical themed floral centerpieces.

Special recognition goes to Karen Turcotte of EcoArts of Lake County for the ever-growing decorations, her auction donation and her two 12-hour days of working with a smile and a song.

The high school worker bees of the Interact Club at Middletown High School deserved their tips totaling $660, which they plan to donate to worthy causes. They all worked hard, worked smart and gave great customer service.

For some photos, go to our Facebook page listed as Rotary Club of Middletown CA.

We would also like to thank our local media for their coverage: Middletown’s finest newspaper, the Times Star, and the Record-Bee, the Clearlake Observer, and Lake County News online. Getting the word out with their coverage helps so much and is appreciated.

So thanks to all who participated and supported the effort. The good you did helps us do good throughout the year supporting local and international projects and programs.

Bea Moulton is president for 2009-11 of the Rotary Club of Middletown, Calif.