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More than 250 people gathered for freshly steamed lobster, corn, coleslaw, drinks, and great conversation on a warm late summer evening in the backyard of a private resident in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia.
Lobster Fest—a sold out event this year—is Chestnut Hill Rotary's signature affair that raises funds to support not-for-profit organizations serving the Northwest Philadelphia community and beyond. All the net proceeds raised by the event provide support for education, improving communities, fighting disease, disaster relief and protecting the environment.
Watch the video highlights of event guests celebrating the end of summer and organizers' preparation.
“Your support as a ticket-buyer, donor or sponsor will allow us to donate as generously as ever to organizations helping people in need – in Northwest Philadelphia and many places around the world,” said Club President, David Hawkings.
The event, which takes several months to plan, requires nearly 500 volunteer hours to prepare. The many tasks range from wrapping utensils to shucking corn and ordering lobsters directly from a source in Maine. Everything is cooked on-site, requiring a lot of skill and coordination. This year, the weather cooperated and provided comfortable evening for the guests.
“Betsy and I decided to host some neighbors at our table – but a couple of them were so caught up in the excitement and the cause that they made their own very generous donation,” said Hawkings. “That tells me we are that what we do is filling is fulfilling a need for service with a smile.”
“The greatest thing about Lobster Fest is that it doesn’t feel like a fundraiser,” said Maggie Stoeffel, who is Co-chair of Chestnut Hill Rotary’s Community Service Committee. Stoeffel also served as the lead organizer of the event. “It’s just a casual, relaxed backyard event with amazing food where guests can mingle leisurely,
Each year, Chestnut Rotary members donate more than 1,100 volunteer hours and $7,000 in collected food, clothing and medical supplies, and raise over $36,000 for local and international charities, benefitting two dozen organizations. This year, Lobster Fest alone raised a record $36,000 which will be distributed in the 2027 grant cycle.
Steve Jordan, expert lobster chef and former member of Chestnut Hill Rotary who also served as president, has been donating his time in this pivotal role for many years going back to when the event was held at the home of Art and Bright Judson. Lobster Fest is now held at founding member, Rebecca Anwar’s home.
Pictured above, l-r, Rebecca Anwar and lobster chef, Steve Jorden.
Rebecca Anwar, has been hosting Lobster Fest in her backyard for the past ten years. “I looked at my yard and my house and decided, I can do that,” said Anwar. “It has become very successful each year with over 200 people attending. It’s just been a magnificent way to raise funds.” Bright Judson, who also attended the event, gave it a big “thumbs up.” Anwar was honored recently by Rotary International’s SE PA’s District Governor at a recent gathering for her outstanding service to the community.
According to Stoeffel, We gather with friends to bid farewell to summer while we raise money to support the organizations in our community who work so hard to make life better for those who are struggling.”
We want to thank our sponsors for their support of Lobster Fest. If you would like to become an annual sponsor, visit our Become a Sponsor page.
