Half a world away from the world class ski resorts, high end shopping and world class restaurants of Colorado's mountain towns, the island community of American Samoa is still reeling from a tsunami that hit on Sept. 29. On that day an 8.3 magnitude earthquake generated a powerful and ultimately devastating wave, wiping out villages and killing nearly 200.

"My sister is in the middle of it right now," Pio Utu, a resident of Steamboat Springs and native to American Samoa, said. "As the story developed, and we realized how devastating this was, people started coming up to me and saying, 'We want to do something for your people in Samoa.'"

Utu, who was honored with the 9Who Care award for outstanding volunteerism in December 2008, is known around the community of Steamboat as a giver. For decades, he has volunteered at Steamboat Springs High School by offering a workout program for students.

The workout program was developed from Utu's old training regimen during his late teens, when he was being recruited by major college football programs. It's helped countless students stay off the couch and stay in shape.

Now, Utu finds himself receiving the same offers of support that he has always offered to others. Utu's family is safe, but he knows from his sister, a volunteer with a missions organization in Samoa, that many families are struggling and living without shelter. Cyclone season in Samoa is just around the corner, making the need for help even greater.

"You have to look at the community of Steamboat to begin with," Utu said. "A lot of this community... whenever somebody's in need, you find an incredible amount of support from the people. They volunteer, they donate money, or they just lend a hand."

Saturday, Oct. 24, the community of Steamboat Springs will reach out to Utu's native island of American Samoa by holding a Steamboat Samoan Luau. Proceeds from the meal and from a silent auction will directly benefit families and efforts to rebuild homes and villages.

"It's beyond explanation how good it feels for this community to help out," Utu said. "[Even though I was raised in Samoa], I call Steamboat home because of how the people are here. People help each other out in a time of need, no matter what it is. I'm proud of it and proud to call it home."

The event is Saturday 24 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Steamboat Springs High School. Smoked pigs and turkeys will be the main course at the luau. Door prizes and entertainment will also be part of the event.

Tickets cost $15 for those 12 or older, or a $10 suggested donation for those younger than 12. Tickets are available at Freshies and All That Jazz.

Volunteers are needed for event publicity, hosting, ticket sales, prize contribution and more. To help, call Utu at 970-846-9064 or Luther Berntson at 970-870-9675.

Donations can be made to the Samoan Tsunami Relief Fund at Alpine Bank, 1901 Pine Grove Road in Steamboat Springs.