Rotary Lobsterfest Raises over $400,000 – Sets New Record
 

Contact: Dan Austin, Steamboat Springs Rotary Club, 970.396.0868

 

Success begets success!  In its 7^th year, the Rotary Club of Steamboat Springs’ (Colorado) Lobsterfest set a new record in benefiting Routt County’s 501(c)3 organizations.  The club’s 2026 edition raised over $400,000 to benefit LiftUp of Routt County, following on the heels of its 2025 event which netted over $250,000 for REPS (Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide) and Rotary charities.  Since its inception in 2019, the Rotary Club’s Lobsterfest event has raised over $1.2 million for the Yampa Valley.

 

Lobsterfest 2026 was held August 22 at Bob Adams Airport in Steamboat Springs.  Over 300 guests were delighted to receive a full dinner featuring lobsters flown in specifically for the event and served by Steamboat Meat and Seafood Company.  A paddle raise, silent auction, and music by Chamberlain Birch added to the festive atmosphere at the gala.

LiftUp Routt County is currently celebrating its 30^th anniversary, where it serves 1 in 7 of our Routt County neighbors via two food banks; emergency financial assistance for housing, medical, utility, and other costs; case worker support; thrift store vouchers; rocket pack snacks; and scholarships.  They also operate a donation center for gently used clothing and goods.

Inspired in part by the overwhelming community support demonstrated through the Rotary Lobsterfest, Lobsterfest’s presenting sponsor, Yampa Valley Bank and its shareholders, have announced a combined $100,000 gift to LiftUp of Routt County’s Capital Campaign and the expansion of its Steamboat Springs facility.

Yampa Valley Bank’s gift and the community support surrounding the Rotary Lobsterfest also inspired an anonymous donor to contribute an additional $50,000 matching donation, bringing the total impact to over $400,000 for LiftUp’s Capital Campaign.

“Rotary’s Lobsterfest event for LiftUp and the incredible community support surrounding it were really the impetus — the igniter — for the Bank to take our capital campaign donation to the next level,” said Yampa Valley Bank President PJ Wharton.

“Yampa Valley Bank and our shareholders have long been impressed by the great work LiftUp does throughout Routt County,” Wharton added. “Seeing the community rally around LiftUp through Rotary Lobsterfest, along with the extraordinary response to the Capital Campaign, made us want to do something significant.”

The gift builds on the momentum generated by Rotary Lobsterfest and a community-wide Capital Campaign that has now received support from more than 300 donors representing a broad cross-section of the Yampa Valley.

In 2025, LiftUp announced plans to nearly double the size of its Steamboat Springs facility in response to growing community needs and limited space. The expansion will strengthen LiftUp’s ability to serve individuals and families throughout Routt County for years to come.

“This incredible outpouring of support reflects the strength and generosity of our community,” said Sue Fegelein, Executive Director of LiftUp of Routt County. “Rotary’s Lobsterfest helped shine a spotlight on LiftUp, bring people together around our mission, and build tremendous momentum for this campaign.”

“We are deeply grateful for every donor, volunteer, Rotary member, sponsor, and supporter who believes in LiftUp’s mission and future.”

Tara Weaver, the president of the Steamboat Springs Rotary Club, stated, “The success of the Rotary Lobsterfest — and the additional giving it helped inspire — demonstrates what can happen when local organizations, businesses, donors, volunteers and community members come together behind a shared cause.”

 

 

Dan Austin, Public Awareness Committee

Steamboat Springs Rotary Club

407 Parkview Dr

Steamboat Springs CO  80487-3133