The Gunston School’s annual Bull & Oyster Roast fundraiser will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 5-9 p.m. on the school’s waterfront campus. Last year’s auctioneer Woody Dunstan, P’24 hands a live auction item to show Tim and Lesly Faff, P’23’26’29. Tickets and sponsorships are available at gunston.org/bullroast26.The Gunston School’s signature fundraising event, the 11th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast + Auction, will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the school’s waterfront campus overlooking the Corsica River. Attendees will enjoy a fun fall evening filled with delicious BBQ catered by renowned Chef Robbie Jester of InJest Events, fresh oysters from expert shuckers, a craft beer truck, a wine pull, and a signature cocktail.
Tickets are on sale now for the night’s festivities including a live auction, the Best of Live Raffle, dancing, music, and the annual “Stop the Auction” portion where the bidding is paused and guests are asked to “Raise the Paddle” for a dedicated school enhancement. This year’s cause is to support the Outdoor Student Life Initiative, investing in campus spaces where students gather, play, and build community outside the classroom. Funds will directly enhance student wellness and daily outdoor experiences, from revitalizing the tennis and pickleball courts to creating new outdoor dining and gathering areas.
“At the heart of Gunston’s mission—and one of its greatest assets—is daily access to nature and the outdoors,” explains Head of School John Lewis. “An extraordinary environment like our 75-acre campus shapes how students learn, grow, and connect every day.”
The online silent auction runs from October 12–18, giving the entire Gunston community an opportunity to bid on vacation packages, fun experiences, golf outings, professional photography sessions, artwork, and more. Meanwhile, the live auction will feature high-value, big-ticket items, including exclusive travel packages and catered cruises.
“We depend on the generosity of our community members to make this event a success,” remarked Event Chair Nash MacMahan, P’27’28. “There are many ways you can support the Bull Roast even if you aren’t able to attend. We have corporate and individual sponsorships available, you can buy raffle tickets, or donate wine and auction items. You can also “Raise the Paddle” online and donate to our Outdoor Student Initiative.”
“For those interested in donating auction items, we are currently seeking items such as vacation getaways, airline miles, hotel points, VIP experiences, sports memorabilia, event tickets, or gift certificates or baskets from local businesses,” explains Auction Chair Kath Murphy, P’29. “We have families from 10 counties all over Maryland and Delaware so Gunston’s reach is wide. It’s great exposure for local businesses.”
Tickets and sponsorships are on sale now at gunston.org/bullroast26:
Early-Bird Pricing (until Aug. 31): $90 per person
September Pricing (Sept. 1–30): $100 per person
October Pricing (Oct. 1–17): $110 per person
Alumni, Former Faculty/Staff: $85 per person
Sponsorship levels range from $150 to $5,000, offering options for every budget. Local businesses and supporters can also become a Heron Hero, combining sponsorship benefits across all three of Gunston’s signature fundraising events for the 2026–2027 academic year: the Bull & Oyster Roast (Oct. 17, 2026), the Heron Pickleball Tournament (April 10, 2027), and Golfing fore Gunston (April 30, 2027).
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to donate an auction item, please visit gunston.org/bullroast26 or contact Director of Advancement Catherine Lawson at clawson@gunston.org or call 410-758-0620 ext. 1200.
