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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.
Watch the video highlights of event guests celebrating the last day of summer and organizers' preparation.
Lobster Fest is one of Chestnut Hill Rotary's signature fun events 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.
“Please accept our deepest gratitude for everyone who attended, our donors, and our sponsors who helped make this event special,” said Jay Pennie, who serves as club president.
Chestnut Hill Rotary members, Ebony Wortham, Elliot Schwartz (standing) with guests taking pictures.
The event, which takes several months to plan, requires many hours of volunteer to prepare 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. Last year, organizers had to pivot quickly and offer take-out for 200 people due to hurricane Othello.
Chestnut Hill Rotary founding member, Rebecca Anwar serving lobster.
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.
Art Judson, who passed away in 2020 from complications from COVID, had a successful business career that spanned 60 years and retired from Morgan Stanley in his 80s. He was a long-time member of the Philadelphia and Chestnut Hill Rotary Clubs and also served as Rotary International District Governor for Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Bright Judson (r) with lobster chef Steve Jordan and his wife, Julie.
“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.”
“I want to express my sincere appreciation for everyone who helped with Lobster Fest and the many, many hours of preparation in the days and weeks before,” said Pennie. “It was truly a remarkable evening, and I am very proud to be a part of the "greatest Rotary club in the world!"
