Bull & Oyster Roast '25 - The Gunston School Contact: Event Coordinator Delaney Rizzuto drizzuto@gunston.org D: 410-758-0620 ext. 1200 EVENT CHAIR: Melanie & Nash McMahan, P'27'28 A look at years past: Bull & Oyster Roast 2019 Bull & Oyster Roast 2021 Bull & Oyster Roast 2022 Bull & Oyster Roast 2023 Bull & Oyster Roast 2024 Bull & Oyster Roast 2025 Save the Date for 2026! Saturday, October 17, 2026 10th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast Raises $150,000 for Campus Technology Overhaul The Gunston School welcomed more than 220 guests to its waterfront campus for the 10th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast on Saturday, October 18, 2025, chaired by Melanie & Nash McMahan, P’27’28. The school’s largest fundraising event of the year was dedicated to funding a crucial overhaul of the school’s rural campus technology infrastructure. The event generated more than $73,100 through sponsorships, raffle tickets, and general event income. The live and silent auctions contributed $35,000, and the highlight of the evening was the direct-giving “Raise the Paddle” segment, which alone generated an impressive $45,000, bringing the total gross funds raised to just over $150,000. The live auction, led by auctioneer Woody Dunstan, P’24, saw enthusiastic bidding for including a seven-night bareboat charter on a Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 Catamaran in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a three-bedroom penthouse in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and a beachfront villa in St. Thomas on Bolongo Beach. Unique experiences tailored for the Gunston community were also highly sought after, including 10 VIP seats for the Class of 2026 Graduation and the exclusive first-choice parking spot for the entire 2026-2027 school year. Major bids were rounded out by a professional Paul Reed Smith SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar and a catered cocktail cruise for eight on the Chester River. The online silent auction, which ran from October 13 through October 19th, allowed the entire Gunston Community to participate. The selection featured tempting travel and local excursions, including a three-night stay in a lovely waterfront Annapolis condo, a weekend getaway in St. Michaels, a five-day Myrtle Beach vacation, a Deep Creek Cabin Weekend, and several fishing charters. Gift certificates for popular local restaurants were also available, alongside offerings of golf and spa packages, and original artwork. Head of School John Lewis commented on the successful night. “The community's response was overwhelming and demonstrates a shared vision for Gunston's future. A comprehensive overhaul of our network infrastructure is now fully supported, which will ensure fast, secure, and seamless connectivity across campus. These upgrades are essential to supporting student learning, classroom technology, campus safety systems, and daily operations.” Guests also enjoyed delicious food from Phat Daddy’s BBQ, Superior OysterShuckers, and Emily’s Produce, along with a beer truck, wine pull, cocktails, and dancing to round out the evening. What is the dress code for the Bull and Oyster Roast? What is the purpose of the Bull and Oyster Roast? How can I help during the event? How long are you accepting donations? When will Silent Auction Items be available to bid on? What is the “Best of Live Auction” Raffle? How do I purchase a raffle ticket? What is Raise the Paddle? Do I need to be present to win the Raffle or bid during the live auction? How will I receive my auction items? Dress comfortably! Think flannels, jeans, sweaters, and practical shoes. It tends to get a little chilly in October at night, so please dress accordingly. There is also the potential for mud, so heels may not be suitable for this event The Bull & Oyster Roast is Gunston’s major fundraising event held for the past 10 years. This year, we are raising money to upgrade technology across campus. Feel free to fill out this form and we will reach out directly to find a time and job that works best for you! We are accepting auction donations until October 6th! If you need the donor form, you can find it HERE The silent auction website will go live on Sunday October 12th and close 11:59 p.m.  Sunday 19th. You will receive several communications on where to find the link! The raffle occurs during the event and the winner has the option to choose whether they would like one of the live auction items OR $2,500 in cash. (Please note, for this year, the BVI Bareboat Yacht Charter is excluded from the raffle, due to parent company restrictions.) We only sell 100 tickets at $100 and they go fast! You can purchase tickets here During the “Raise the Paddle” portion of the evening, guests have the opportunity to make direct contributions toward a specific cause. For 2025, all Raise the Paddle gifts will support a major campus technology upgrade—including improvements to our network infrastructure, classroom technology, and campus safety systems. These upgrades are vital to student learning and daily operations. No! You do not need to be present to bid. You can request a proxy bidder and a member of Gunston’s team will be responsible for bidding on your behalf. If you win the auction, you also do not need to be present. You can specify if you would like the cash or the live auction item! If you won a silent auction item, these will be available starting end of day Monday October 20th through Friday the 24th.  You can stop by the 2nd floor of the Middleton Building to pick up your items. Non-Alcoholic items can be picked up by your student with an email confirmation to Delaney Dunnigan ddunnigan@gunston.org If you won a live auction item, you will receive the item or certificate with instructions on how to redeem. Sponsorship Levels Benefits Included Bull's Eye $5,000 Oyster $2,500 BBQ $1,500 Pearl $1,000 Pit Beef $500 Half Shell $250 Shore $150 Tickets 8 VIP Tickets 6 VIP tickets 4 tickets 2 tickets 1 ticket Tax Deduction* $4,320 $1,990 $1,160 $830 $500 $250 $150 Heron Fund Donation** $500 $250 $150 ONLINE RECOGNITION Event Press Release Logo on Event Website G&W Business Directory Listing Social Media Acknowledgement The Gunston Weekly eNewsletter General Acknowledgement Beyond Gunston Road Alumni eNewsletter Highlight Dedicated Social Media Sponsor Highlight Sponsor Feature in The Weekly PRINTED RECOGNITION Recognition in Multum in Parvo alumni magazine & annual report EVENT RECOGNITION Signage at Event Announced during Event Sponsor Promotional Opportunity (distribute swag, promo items, etc. at event) * Tickets/registrations  that are donated or unused will not count against tax donation amount **Includes a 10% donation to the Heron Annual Fund, thus securing your participation for the year. Bull’s Eye Sponsors Oyster Sponsors BBQ Sponsors Pearl Sponsors Pit Beef Sponsors Half Shell Sponsors Shore Sponsors