The Gunston School is pleased to announce an impressive line-up of live and silent auction items for the 11th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast, set for Saturday, October 17, 2026. This year’s auction features a wide array of high-value items, including luxury vacations and unique experiences, with all funds raised dedicated to supporting the school’s Outdoor Student Life Initiative which invests in the everyday campus spaces where students gather to play and build community outside the classroom. Funds will directly improve student wellness and campus life, from revitalizing the tennis and pickleball courts to adding new outdoor dining and social areas.
Highlighting this year’s featured packages are premium school privileges—including 10 VIP seats for the Class of 2027 Graduation and first-choice reserved student parking for the 2027–2028 school year—alongside a collector’s dream PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar autographed by Paul Reed Smith. Bidders can also vie for premier vacation escapes, including a 7-night Spanish getaway with a choice among three luxury properties in Barcelona and the Costa Brava, a private hillside villa stay at Seaside Oasis in Tortola, BVI featuring an infinity pool overlooking Long Bay Beach, a 7-day luxury beachfront penthouse stay at Bayview Grand in Puerto Vallarta, and an exclusive 3-hour cocktail cruise for eight, complete with a customized menu prepared by Chef Glenn May, P’26.
Supporters can also place bids in the extensive online silent auction, which opens the week leading up to the event on October 12. Designed to offer something for every interest and budget, featured items include exclusive vacation stays and regional getaways, rounds of golf at premier local courses, and other one-of-a-kind local experiences. Bidders will also find professional photography packages, original fine art and handcrafted items, gourmet dining certificates, and curated gift baskets, providing the entire Gunston community—near and far—a chance to support the school and score remarkable items.
Guests will also 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. The event begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m. with dancing.
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 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.
Tickets are on sale now at gunston.org/bullroast26 with early-bird pricing at $100 from Sept. 1-30, and $110 per person from Oct. 1-18. Tickets for alumni as well as former faculty and staff, and guests of current faculty and staff are $85. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
Sponsorships for the Bull & Oyster Roast range from $150 up to $5,000 with a price point for every budget. Additionally, there is an option to become a Heron Hero, which combines the sponsorship benefits of all three Gunston fundraising events, the Bull & Oyster Roast on October 17, the Heron Pickleball Tournament on April 10, 2027, and Golfing Fore Gunston VIII on April 30, 2027.
Gunston gratefully acknowledges the following supporters:
Bull’s Eye Sponsors: Joyce & Associates, LLC (Christine & Kevin Joyce, P’26’29), Precision Contractors (Lesley & Tim Faff, P’23’26’29), Alexa & Stuart Cook, GP’27, and What’s Up? Magazine.
Oyster Sponsors: ShoreGate Partners (Chesley & Justin Nonemaker, P’27’29), Friends of Gunston (anonymous), KRM Construction (The Gray Family, P’29), Horace K. Wood, DMD, PA – Oral & Maxillofacial surgery (Leigh & Dr. Horace Wood, P’24’27), and InJest Events.
BBQ Sponsors: McCallister, Detar, Showalter & Walker (Adele & Ryan Showalter, P’25’27 and The Walker Family, P’25’27) and Faithful Accounting & Consulting, Inc. (Edward & Heather Bennett, P’27).
Pearl Sponsors: David A. Bramble, Inc. (The Owings Family, P’29), The Dreeke Family, P’28, Ebb Tide Tent & Party Rentals, Fleetwood Insurance Group (Creg Fleetwood, P’28’30), The Law Offices of Parker Counts (Lee Gordon, P’28’29, PepUp (Melanie & Nash McMahan, P’27’28), and Molly’s Place (Nick & Katie Shajwani, P’26).
Pit Beef Sponsors: Davey Tree, Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals (Bryan Trautman, P’23’27), Wye Mills Mechanical, LLC (Marie & Stephen Thomas), Dr. Laurie & John Lewis, Emily’s Produce, The Shifrin Family, P’21’21, Building System Solutions, LLC (Michael Younger, Jr.), Carrion Electric (The Carrion Family, P’29), Talkie Communications (The DeMattia Family, P’29), Mr. Glenn Michael, Emily’s Produce, Avon Dixon Insurance Agency, Compass Realty – Gretchen Wichlinski, P’28’30, and Wye Gardens (Will Gordon, P’28’29).
Half-Shell Sponsors: The Rensberger Family, P’29 and The Johnston Family, P’23’25’28.
Shore Sponsorships: Eastern Shore Acupuncture & Healing Arts (Katherine Binder & Rob Forloney, P’29’29).