Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The full moon might not be visible through possibly snowy skies Saturday night, but that means the surface of Lake Catamount will be soft and fluffy for cross-country skiers and snowshoers to romp in the snow for a cause.

Laura Karch, executive assistant for Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, said the seventh annual Moonshine Ski & Dine embodies the values of the nonprofit organization.

“Our main goal is to get people outdoors and have them experience nature and what it has to offer,” she said. “We have multiple programs that do that in different ways. This is part of the whole package.”

The fundraiser runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Lake Catamount, and tickets are $50. The Ski & Dine benefits two of the organization's programs: the Yampa Valley Science School and the Service Learning Institute.

Last year, the event raised about $14,000 for the programs, and this year, Karch said a sponsorship package was added to the fundraiser.

For the event, guests are encouraged to wear outdoor gear and bring equipment, though there are options to borrow skis or snowshoes to head out into the night.

Inside, there will be drinks, appetizers, chili, dessert and a silent auction with items totaling more than $15,000. There are packages from Go Alpine, the Bear Claw Condominiums, SmartWool, Old Town Hot Springs and the Bridgestone Winter Driving School.

Karch said the Yampa Valley Science School serves all sixth-graders in Routt County each year with a program that meets science curriculum needs in the school

The Service Learning Institute is growing each year, with more than 50 participants ages 10 to 14 now participating in civic programs in the community.

Unlike Rocky Mountain Youth Corps' Conservation Corps program, these two offerings need community support to survive.

“It’s very important to these particular programs. That’s why we selected" them, Karch said. “Because they need funding.”

To reach Nicole Inglis, call 970-871-4204 or email ninglis@ExploreSteamboat.com