Gunston’s Annual Bull & Oyster Roast Continues to Succeed

On Saturday, October 19, The Gunston School held its annual Bull & Oyster Roast & Alumni Reunion. Nearly 240 parents, trustees, alumni, faculty, and friends gathered on Gunston’s campus to support the school in its largest fundraiser of the year. Guests mingled, enjoyed shucked oysters, and tried their luck on silent auction items that were generously donated by local businesses and Gunston families.

Headmaster John Lewis and past parent Andrew McCowan.

The evening was a huge success—over $100,000 was raised through sponsorships, silent and live auctions, and ticket sales. In keeping with tradition, the Live Auction was interrupted midway through for “Raise the Paddle.” The proceeds this year will be used for new classroom furnishings.

The lucky winner of this year’s Live Auction Item Raffle was Dawn Holmes P ’20, ‘22! The Holmes family won a vacation to the Outer Banks over Gunston’s spring break, thanks to donors Steve and Jennifer Salos P ‘22. Other live auction items included vacations to Deep Creek Lake, Jamaica, Mexico, Aruba, Bethany Beach, and a signed Paul Reed Smith guitar.

“The generosity of our parents and friends is truly extraordinary, and this generosity translates directly into a stronger educational program for all of our students,” said Headmaster John Lewis.

Local businesses were key to the success of this auction. Over 200 businesses, community members, and families from throughout the Eastern Shore and Annapolis donated items, and made financial contributions to this year’s fundraising event.

Parents Krystal and Mark Algier enjoying the evening.

Gunston would like to extend a special thanks to our sponsors:

Grill Master ($2500+): Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Janell & Jeff Frederick P ‘23), Gunston Board of Trustees; Prime ($1500): Christine & Michael Amygdalos P ‘20 ‘23, Ashley Insurance, Chesapeake Bay Outfitters (Birgit & Matt Stuart P ‘23), Delaware Podiatric Medicine (Dr. Jacob & Mrs. Rebecca Hanlon P ‘22), Gillespie and Son (Erin & Jim Gillespie P ‘07 ‘09), Julie & Todd Gillespie P ‘20, ‘22), Gillespie Precast (Karen & Jim Talbott P ‘20, ‘23), Intown Management (Gigi & Steve Hershey P ‘21), Precision Contractors (Lesley & Timothy Faff P ‘23), Shore United Bank; Choice ($1000): Avon Dixon Insurance, Caesar Guerini (Deirdre & Wes Lang P ‘22 ‘23), Callahan’s Gas (Dana & Mark Callahan P ‘22), Foundation for Tomorrow (Nicole Wagner P’ 23), Friends of Gunston, The Holland Law Firm (Casey Santora & Peter Holland P ‘21 ‘22), IT Direct (Bess & Ralph Riddle P ‘21), Karen & John Morrison P ‘18; Select ($500): Attractions Magazine, The Cambridge Network, Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat (Audrey & Kurt Reichardt P ‘21), Friel Lumber Company (Gina & Jay Friel P ‘22), Mary Hoff GP ‘22, Impressive Printing, Kent School, Peter & Elise Kunkel GP ‘21, Laurie & John Lewis, L & S Bus Service, McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC, Radcliffe Creek School, Provident State Bank, Star Democrat; Sirloin ($250): Armistead, Lee, Rust, & Wright, The Country School, Eliza (Schmidt) Dunn ‘88, 360 Automation (Christine & Evan Evans P ‘20), Gray Developers, Penny (Bell) Hatten ‘73, Nina & Tom Johnston P ’23, Josh Johnson/Bartlett, Griffin & Vermilye, Christine & Andrew Parish P ‘21, Reliable Pest Control, LLC, Tred Avon Wealth; live auction donors: Janet & Jim Clauson P ‘06, ‘07; The Meiklejohn Family, Mary and Dane Ways P ‘18, Laura & Richard Ward P ‘21, Jennifer & Steve Salos P ‘22, Melody & James Melvin P ‘23, The Callahan Family, and Jeff Carroll of the Fish Whistle at the Granary.

We are also very grateful to the Gunston Parents’ Association, Gunston’s faculty and staff, and the 2019 Bull & Oyster Roast Committee Chairs—Karen Talbot P ‘20, ‘23, Bess Riddle P ‘21, Dawn Clair P ‘19 ‘22, Jill Meyerhoff P ‘11, ‘13, Emily Shifrin P ‘21, Gigi & Steve Hershey P ‘21, Stacey Sharpless P ‘20, ‘22, JR Russum P ‘22 (auctioneer) who worked tirelessly to create a spectacular evening.