A crowd of 272 guests cracked claws and raised funds at the Gimli Rotary Club’s annual Lobsterfest, the service club’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
The event, held Saturday at the Gimli Rec Centre, featured a traditional East Coast lobster dinner complete with coleslaw, potato, a bun, and cake for dessert. Guests also had the option of a sirloin strip steak grilled to order.
The evening included a rainbow auction and a silent auction table, which together raised more than $3,000 thanks to donations from local businesses and supporters. Adding to the fun was a raffle for “Charlie,” a seven-pound lobster who raised $730 for the cause.
Gimli Mayor Kevin Chudd, Selkirk–Interlake–Eastman MP James Bezan and St. Boniface MLA Rob Loiselle helped drum up ticket sales for the popular draw. The Gimli Honey Company took home the oversized crustacean — a crowd favourite at the annual event.
“Overall, the evening was a huge success,” said Rotary Club president Diane Fjeld. “We are thankful for all the volunteers who helped us, including Rotarians, our families and friends, the Kiwanis Club, students and the Rec Centre staff. Without all of you, it wouldn’t happen.”
Funds raised from Lobsterfest support Rotary initiatives locally and abroad, including scholarships, community donations, youth programs and international aid.
With a packed room, great food and generous giving, organizers said the evening was another shell-cracking success.
Express Photos by Lana Meier
