Steamboat Springs — Tickets are on sale for the fifth annual Sailor Luau, a fundraiser that provides scholarships and other funding to support Steamboat Springs High School students.

The luau takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Steamboat Springs High School, 45 East Maple St.

Proceeds from the luau go toward the Pio Utu Scholarship, which benefits Steamboat Springs High School athletes, and provides support for the school’s Parent Information Committee and Booster Club.

The annual event was created, in part, by Pio Utu, a Steamboat resident and volunteer trainer for high school athletes who is originally from Samoa.

Utu first held a traditional Polynesian luau in Steamboat in 2009 to support tsunami relief efforts in the South Pacific, and the event raised $30,000. The luau idea was later brought back as a fundraising event for the high school.

Traditional Polynesian luau cuisine will be served from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and will include roasted pig, turkey, lo mein and fried rice.

Dinner will be followed by entertainment, including high school students performing a traditional Polynesian dance routine taught by Utu.

“It’s a fun event,” Utu said.

Volunteer organizer Mary Neihaus said the luau is an enjoyable event and worth supporting.

“Pio makes most of the food himself, and (proceeds) go toward a scholarship that benefits an athlete in the Steamboat Springs School District,” Neihaus said. “It’s the thing to go to, and the thing to contribute to in this valley.”

Utu said proceeds also help support sports transportation costs and equipment through the Booster Club and benefit the PIC.

Tickets for the luau are $20 for adults and $10 for district students and are available at the high school office, Steamboat Springs Middle School, Yampa Valley Bank and All That. Children 5 and younger are free.

To reach Teresa Ristow, call 970-871-4206, email tristow@SteamboatToday.com or follow her on Twitter @TeresaRistow