STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — “You will laugh, and you may cry,” said Paula Salky, who has created the inaugural LiftUp of Routt County variety show.

Featuring local talent, “Food Aid — A Fundraiser for LiftUp” will take the stage 7 p.m. Saturday at the Chief Theater (813 Lincoln Ave.).

Tickets for the show are $30 for general admission and $50 for VIP and will benefit Lift Up of Routt County’s programs, which include the Food Bank, Emergency Assistance, Adopt-a Shelf, Rocket Pack, Grow-a-Row, Hope for the Future Scholarship, Power Up Work Readiness and more.

“I used to work at the schools, and it’s just so sad to see these kids who are food insecure,” said Salky. “I have so many friends who are actors and singers, I just thought, ‘why not have a benefit?’”

Standing up in front of the community for a cause, the stars of the show share their talents with songs, dancing, comedy, piano playing  singing, dancing,  glow-in-the-dark juggling routine, a fashion show coordinated by Jenny Wall and skits like the “Chopped” episode inspired by food items from the Food Bank, with Hannah Hopkins from Mambo Italiano, Russel Goodman from Cloverdale and Geoff Pettis – passionate foodie, taking these random items from the Food bank. they can use any items from their pantry to create a dish.

Salky said the audience should be on the lookout for during the show, Jackie Brown, senior at Steamboat Springs High School and  Tucker Sanford, recent graduate of SSHS. 

“They represent the awesome thoughtfulness of their generation and gives me great hope that we will have continuity of caring for others in our community,” said Salky.  “They are two people who care about where they live and they want to help out LiftUp.”

“I’m so excited to have this opportunity to take the best in our community and have them be a part of LiftUp’s newest event that we hope will become an annual way to show off our talent and raise awareness of what LiftUp does in the community,” Salky said.