Luke and Emily’s business, Ohana, and their Live Print events have become a staple of fundraising and philanthropy in Steamboat Springs, benefiting countless organizations and establishing a culture of giving among their team and the broader community.
Raised in Steamboat Springs from the time he was three weeks old, Luke’s roots in the Yampa Valley run deep. For Emily, the connection began in a way that will sound familiar to many who now call this place home: she arrived in 2004 thinking she would stay for just one winter season, only to find that the Yampa Valley quickly became home.
Their journey with their business, Ohana, began to evolve while living on Maui in the early 2000s. While they loved their time there, they found themselves missing two things that mattered deeply to them: a strong sense of community and the right professional setting. After a couple of years on Maui, they began dreaming about what their ideal work and life could look like, and the concept behind Ohana was born.
There was only one place they could imagine bringing that dream to life: Steamboat Springs. They believed the Yampa Valley was the kind of community that would embrace their vision, support local entrepreneurship, and rally around a business dedicated to giving back.
The name “Ohana” reflects that purpose. A Hawaiian word with many layers of meaning, Ohana is best defined by Luke and Emily as friends, family, and the broader community—your support system. That idea has shaped both their business and their philanthropy. They understood early on that if they supported the community, the community would support them in return.
When asked how their philanthropic journey began, Luke and Emily point to a simple goal: finding a way to give back through the work they do every day. As artists and screen printers, they wanted to share the creative process with others while strengthening the community they love. That vision led to the creation of Ohana’s now well-known Live Print events.
Over the years, their giving has focused on causes that hold meaning for their entire team, especially efforts centered on inclusion, opportunity for all, and environmental stewardship. While they are proud of every financial contribution they have made to local organizations, what stands out most is the culture of giving they have created within their business. Helping their staff support causes they care about and fostering a workplace that the whole team is proud to be part of has become one of the most meaningful aspects of their philanthropy.
Luke and Emily believe that businesses have a unique opportunity to be creative in how they give back. Their advice to others considering philanthropy is to find ways to invite people into the effort. For Ohana, giving back has also become a natural and authentic form of community connection. They believe the best marketing comes from locals sharing their experience with others, and much of that goodwill has grown from Ohana’s commitment to supporting the Yampa Valley.
YVCF is proud to help share Ohana’s story and support their Live Print events. Through their creativity, generosity, and deep belief in community, Luke and Emily have shown how philanthropy can be woven into the everyday life of a business—and how giving back can strengthen the very place that makes their work possible.