Biggest fundraiser of the year supports Rotary projects in our community
The Rotary Club of Selkirk is once again hosting its annual Lobsterfest Dinner. This dinner is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year and allows them to give back to our community in a big way.
“All proceeds from the dinner will be going to fund our $100,000 commitment to the expansion of the Gaynor Family Regional Library’s children’s activity center. Much like last year, the reception starts at 5 p.m. with the dinner starting at 7 p.m.,” said David Thorne, president of the Rotary Club of Selkirk.
The group is calling the event Lobsterfest 31 as it’s the 31st year this event has taken place in our community and, like in previous years, the event will be hosted at the Selkirk Recreational Complex, on May 25.
Something that is different from previous years is that the Rotary Club is shaking it up. They are going to have this event be pirate-themed.
“Our goal is not only to put on a fabulous lobster dinner, like we’ve done for the last 30 years, but really to bring the community together to enjoy a night of fellowship, a night of singing, dancing, and just overall fun. We felt that if we had a theme, and we chose a pirate theme, that people would let their guard down a little bit and enjoy themselves and just be able to laugh. It’s so important that our community can just laugh sometimes,” said Thorne.
The fun isn’t just for the volunteers though. Residents are also encouraged to dust off their hooks and tricorne hats.
“Our guests are encouraged to dress up as their favourite swashbuckler and there’s actually going to be a prize for the best-dressed pirate, as well as the best table of pirates,” he said.
Thorne also says that this year they are hoping to best their already phenomenal record for serving attendees.
“Last year we served 437 People in 57 minutes flat and it’s our goal this year to beat that time,” said Thorne.
There will also be the usual silent auction and 50/50 draw at the event for those who want to contribute a little bit more.
Supporting this event allows Rotarians to raise funds which they give right back to our community. This year’s event is going to support the Rotary Club’s commitment to raise $100,000 for the Gaynor Regional Family Library’s expansion but the Rotary Club also supports the nutrition on the weekends program which since 2019 has served over 18,000 lunches in our community. They also have donated peace poles to our community, donated towards the creation of the Selkirk Skate Park and helped out in many other ways in our region.
As Rotarians know that inflation has been an issue in recent months, they also want to continue to have this event work in resident’s budgets. Because of that, tickets are the same price as last year.
“We’re keeping our price the same as last year at $90. We didn’t want to jack up our prices anymore and each guest will receive a $30 tax receipt, which is included. But more than that, we’ve actually increased the size of the lobster this year to two pounds each and the steaks are going to be 14 ounces each. We wanted to give back to the community. We had a great year last year, but we want to ensure people have that full experience when they come to a rotary event,” said Thorne.
The event has already seen strong ticket sales so residents are encouraged to pick up their tickets sooner rather than later.
Residents can grab tickets by messaging the Rotary Club of Selkirk’s Facebook page or emailing them at rotaryclubofselkirkmanitoba@gmail.com. Tickets will be on sale until May 15 or until they sell out.
“Whether you’re a long-time supporter, we’ve got many people in this community that have attended all 30 Lobsterfests which is amazing, or if you’re curious about rotary and want to try it out. I really encourage everybody to join us,” said Thorne.
Residents should keep up with the club’s social media to learn about their upcoming fundraisers including their annual book sale which takes place in the fall.
