Sailing with Purpose & The Lake Oswego Lobster Feed
Seabourn’s commitment to culture and community.
Proudly published in Lake Oswego Lifestyle Magazine as part of our ongoing community travel column.
Lake Oswego’s premier summer soirée, the 41st annual Lobster Feed & Charity Auction, returns on Saturday, June 14, 2025, under the iconic big top at Lakewood Center for the Arts. This beloved event, co-hosted by the Lake Oswego Rotary and Lakewood Center for the Arts, has raised over $4.2 million to support local and global causes. This year, Travel & Cruise Desk has partnered with Seabourn and provided a seven-night ocean or expedition cruise as one of many great items available for auction.
The Lobster Feed under the big top at Lakewood Center for the Arts. Image provided by Lake Oswego Rotary.
Seabourn Pursuit in Kuri Bay, Kimberley, Australia.
Seabourn, renowned for its ultra-luxury, all-suite voyages, offers more than just incredible experiences — it champions sustainability, making them the perfect cruise line for us to partner with for this year’s Lobster Feed. Through initiatives like Operation Oceans Alive, Seabourn emphasizes environmental stewardship, aiming to protect marine ecosystems and reduce single-use plastics. Their near decade long partnership with UNESCO supported the World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Program, enhancing conservation efforts and community development at World Heritage sites.
One very notable example of Seabourn’s commitment is their collaboration with the Wunambal Gaambera people of Australia’s Kimberley region. In 2024, Seabourn appointed this Aboriginal community as the godparents of their expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, marking an industry first. This partnership underscores Seabourn’s commitment to honoring Indigenous heritage and promoting community-led tourism. As part of this alliance, Seabourn pledged a $100,000 donation to support the development of tourism infrastructure and year-round resources, enabling the Wunambal Gaambera people to reside on their ancestral lands throughout the year. Additionally, Seabourn provides materials like pearl shells and art supplies to foster a sustainable arts and crafts industry, allowing community artists to create and sell authentic works.
Guests aboard Seabourn Pursuit have the opportunity to engage deeply with the Wunambal Gaambera culture through guided hikes to ancient rock art sites, participation in traditional ceremonies, and lessons in Junba song and dance.
By participating in the Lobster Feed auction, attendees have the unique opportunity to embark on a Seabourn voyage that aligns luxury with purpose. Proceeds from this event support both international and local initiatives through the Lake Oswego Rotary Foundation and the Lakewood Center for the Arts’ youth education programs. This year’s featured beneficiaries are Project Lemonade and Youth Era. Project Lemonade provides high-quality services to meet the needs of the foster youth community through internships, programs for teens aging out of care, and funding opportunities that allow youth to pursue their dreams. Youth Era operates Clackamas Drop in Oregon City and provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where youth can receive peer support, gain leadership skills, meet new people, and successfully transition into adulthood.
A traditional member of the Wunambal Gaambera community in the Kimberley region.
The Charity Auction in action. Image provided by Lake Oswego Rotary.
Tickets and full details for the Lobster Feed & Charity Auction are available at www.lobsterfeed.org. Join us for an evening of fine dining, entertainment, and bid on a range of items including our 7-night voyage with Seabourn.
