It will be hard to go the Lake Oswego Rotary Lobster Feed and Charity Auction this Saturday, June 20,and not find something you like. And I’m not just talking about what’s up for bid on the auction block.

Sure, the auctioneer will be doing his chant for parties and getaways, but the real winners after the party is over and volunteers start transitioning the big tent from an auction setup to an art festival one, are the charity beneficiaries. They cover a lot of bases, so no matter what causes you support, you’re bound to find one here that tugs at your heartstrings.

LAKEWOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS. This cause is local and has a long tradition as the Lakewood Center has been a partner/co-sponsor of the annual Lobster Feed and Charity Auction since its inception. In fact, proceeds from the first Rotary Club auction fulfilled the $20,000 pledge the club had made to purchase the building that currently houses the Lakewood Center for the Arts. Today, that money helps support the Center’ s educational and cultural programs in theatre, visual arts and community events that more than 100,000 people enjoy each year.

HOSPITAL FOR HOPE. From their own backyard, to 7,349 miles away, the Lake Oswego Rotary sees a need and sets out to meet it. Funds from this year’s auction will go to support a self-sustainable hospital that serves 1,000 patients a month in an extremely under-served area of the Indian state of Jharkhand. After years of neglect, villagers can be treated for preventable diseases like malaria, dysentery and infant mortality.

HAPPY TRAILS RIDING CENTER. This ranch in West Linn serves children and adults of all ages with a wide range of special needs who have been diagnosed with a physical, cognitive or emotional disability. By helping them develop a relationship with their horse, instructor, volunteers, and fellow students, the Riding Center gives these individuals a new sense of purpose and feeling of confidence.

LAKE OSWEGO MEALS NETWORK. Despite being known as an affluent community, the need for preparing and delivering meals to seniors and disabled residents in Lake Oswego is high. Currently, close to 20,000 meals are served each year both at the Adult Community Center and through the Meals-on-Wheels Program, representing a 17% increase just since 2010. The Lake Oswego Rotary is on the Meals-on-Wheels Donor Wall of Fame for its generous support of $8,990 and they look to be adding to that this year.

MOBILITY IMPAIRED GOLF ASSOCIATION. There is a theme to Rotary’s giving—improving lives. It might be through art, medical care, horseback riding, food, or golf. The Mobility Impaired Golf Association offers free clinics and lessons for physically and mentally challenged children and young adults at the Lake Oswego Public Golf Course. Participants come from Shriners Hospital, The Children’s Cancer Association, United Cerebral Palsy, Easter Seals, Dornbecker Children’s Hospital, Special Olympics as well as children and young adults who are blind or autistic throughout the Northwest.

NATIONAL ALLIANCE on MENTAL ILLNESS of CLACKAMAS COUNTY (NAMI). The Alliance offers a variety of free classes, programs and outreach for individuals and families facing a mental health crisis in an effort to improve their lives and connect them with valuable resources.

The 31st Annual Lake Oswego Rotary Lobster Feed and Charity Auction begins at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at the Lakewood Center, 368 S. State Street. Check to see if tickets are still available. 503.635.6338.

Disclaimer: I realize I have featured the Lake Oswego Rotary a couple times in the last month. I must admit I am a member so pardon me for getting the word out about some of the great things the Rotary is doing but there is no denying–it’s one of the things that is special about Lake Oswego.