In wake of the tragedy that struck Boston Marathon runners yesterday, Lilac Bloomsday organizers have released the following statement regarding race safety for this year's Bloomsday run:

We at Bloomsday are heartbroken about the events at the Boston Marathon, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. We are saddened that a wonderful celebration of health and fitness ended in tragedy.

Since our own event will take place in a few weeks, we understand that the Greater Spokane community and our visitors may have concerns. Safety at Bloomsday has always been our highest priority, and we will continue to work with the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff and federal agencies to plan for the wide variety of contingencies that might affect Bloomsday, as we have for many years. As we review these systems, we will make whatever changes are deemed advisable to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our participants and spectators.

--Steven Jones, President, Lilac Bloomsday Association

--Don Kardong, Bloomsday Race Director

Washington State Prostart programs offer vocational training at the high school level across the state. Since August, Prostart has been selling raffle tickets for a 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 Cobra. This week, the Mustang is Spokane visiting local restaurants before stopping at the FSA Food Show on Thursday.

The Prostart School to Career Programs are run by the non-profit Education Foundation, which is part of the Washington Restaurant Association. Currently all five District 81 high schools partner with Prostart, there are a total of 33 high school partnerships across the state. Three more districts are hoping to join the program including Mead.

The program is designed to prepare students for work in the restaurant industry and offers hands on experience. Students receive training that includes customer relations, food preparation and safety, nutrition and how to run a business.

Sports stars and local T.V. personalities will be serving dinner at the HuHot Mongolian Grill tonight to support Blessings Under the Bridge.

Jessica Kovac and her husband Mike started serving brown bag meals to the area's homeless in 2007. Since then it has grown into a weekly meal service and non-profit. Their brown bags include sandwiches and home made baked goods, as well fruit and toiletries. Each recipient is offered a bottle of water and coffee or cocoa.

“Blessings Under the Bridge has just boomed so much,” says Kovac, adding that she and her husband never expected their weekly ministry to become a non-profit. BUTB estimates that it takes only $12.00 to provide brown bags for ten homeless.