Organized by the Rotarians in Emmett, the Flip Flops & Flamingos Youth Benefit Dinner and Auction is a beloved tradition that showcases community support. This large-scale event involves every Emmett Rotarian, who dedicates countless hours and several months in preparation to ensure its success in raising funds for the youth of Gem County.

 

Local youth organizations in Gem County submit requests for financial aid to cover various expenses, including travel for competitions, new uniforms, instrument repairs, and other needs. In return, they indicate which service projects they can assist the Rotary Club of Emmett with, ensuring they have a stake in the community by participating in service activities. For decades, the Rotary Club of Emmett has made it a priority to raise funds for the children of Gem County.

 

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and individuals—who contributed merchandise, table sponsorships, cash donations, and participated in bidding—the funds raised from this event have been extraordinary, consistently breaking records. In 2025, as a result of the fundraising success at the 52nd Annual Flip Flops & Flamingos Rotary Youth Benefit Dinner and Auction, the Rotary Club of Emmett Foundation was able to award an unprecedented $68,168 in grants and scholarships. These funds supported 30 youth organizations in Gem County and provided scholarships to eight graduating seniors.

 

Since 2016, the Rotary Club of Emmett Foundation has allocated over $633,924 in grants and scholarships to uplift local youth.