UPDATE: We have reached capacity for the 2023 VESLT Oyster Roast, and have halted online sales. Thank you so much for your support!
Raffle Ticket Sales Have also Closed!
Please call (757) 442-5885 or email outreach@veslt.org with any questions.
Auction and Raffle
Bid on one of a kind auction items from local businesses and artisans. A list of silent auction items will be available before the event. Take your chances on winning an original piece of artwork (Mega Carolina Wren, by David Turner, sculpture pictured below) in the raffle. The winner will be drawn at the Oyster Roast Dinner on April 15, 2023. You do not have to be present to win. Raffle tickets are $20.00 each or three for $50.00.
Oyster Roast Silent Auction Items
Experiences
Eastern Shore Aerial Tour for 3 donated by Bill McCarter
Seaside Sunset Ecotour and Island Hopping for 4, Wachapreague. Charcuterie and Champagne included! donated by Mariwether Payne
Paddle Your Glass Off Kayak Trip for 4 donated by Southeast Expeditions and Chatham Vineyards Wine
Sunset Cruise for 6 on the Major Gayle with Sushi & Wine, Onancock donated by Lynn Gayle, Maurice, North Street Market
Catered Dinner by Waterman’s Inn for 4 People on the Eastern Shore donated by Kathy Beresoski
Cooking Class and Brunch for 6 at Amy Brandt's Kitchen near Eastville donated by Amy Brandt
Garden Goodies and Plants
Hosta in a Clay Pot donated by Meriwether Payne
Succulent Garden in Hand thrown Pottery Bowl donated by Susan Harris
Three Longleaf Pine trees and three Cherokee Brave Dogwood Trees donated by Tankard Nurseries
Three Moonglow Magnolia Trees and three American Beech Trees donated by Tankard Nurseries
Fruiting Trees and Plants donated by Eastern Shore Nursery of VA
Ornamental Flowering Trees donated by Wescoat Nursery
Two Standard Rose Trees donated by Eastern Shore Nursery of VA
Original Art
“Meriwether’s Fish” Painting donated by Maurice Spector
“Mariner’s Dream” Watercolor Painting donated by Ted Leonard
Bronze Box Turtle Sculpture donated by David Turner
Bronze Megalodon Shark Tooth Cast donated by David Turner
Black Duck Decoy donated by Grayson Chesser
Miniature Carving of American Avocet donated by Billy Crockett
Compass Rose Floorcloth donated by Miriam Riggs
“Flock of Skimmers” Painting donated by Carrie Jacobson
Field Guide Print donated by Christopher Reiger
“ABD’s of Dogs (Because C is always for Cat)” Print by Charlotte B. Cochran
Model Sailboat “America” donated by Anthony Picardi
ESVA Map Cuff Handmade Jewelry donated by Moonrise Jewelry
Shark Watercolor donated by Michael Myers
Painting “Across Folly” donated by Cheryl Leonard
Carving donated by Pete Henderson
Fun Things
1895 Public Oyster Ground Map of Metompkin Bay to Wachapreague donated by Hank Badger
Handmade Oyster Shucking Table donated by Carl Nordstrom
Two VESLT Fleece Vests and 2 engraved Yeti Mugs donated by a friend of VESLT
Vortex Waterproof Binoculars donated by Karen Terwilliger
Two Smith Island Cakes
Barrier Islands Sea Salt Gift Basket donated by Ann and David Lee
Gift Basket from Beach Market, Cape Charles donated by Beach Market
Also for Sale
Tickets for a Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Yacht Espirit D' IV , an 88' Hatteras on Saturday June 17th from 6:00 -9:30pm. Departs Cape Charles Town Marina. Caterered by Todd Ramsey. Only 35 tickets available, at $150.00 per person. Hosted by Harriet and John Malbon. Not ADA Accessible. Rain date June 24.
Save the date, April, 15, 2023, for the 16th Annual Oyster Roast Dinner. Indulge on oysters, clams, dinner, local wine, and dessert while enjoying beautiful views of Nassawadox Creek at Wellington, a VES Land Trust held conservation easement. Proceeds benefit the Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust and its land preservation mission on the Eastern Shore.
Tickets
Tickets are $135 each. Your ticket includes oysters, clams, dinner, drinks, and dessert. Because the Oyster Roast is held at a private property, we cap attendance at 250 to reduce the impact on the land and ensure everyone has a great time. This event always sells out. Please reserve your tickets early.
Sponsorship Levels
We welcome sponsorships from individuals, families, or businesses.
$5,400 - 20 Tickets ($2,700 donation) and “Benefactor” recognition on banner
$4,320 - 16 Tickets ($2,160 donation) and “Conservator” recognition on banner
$2,700 - 10 Tickets ($1,350 donation) and “Guardian” recognition on banner
$2,160 - 8 Tickets ($1080 donation) and “Steward” recognition on banner
$1,620 - 6 Tickets ($810 donation) and “Protector” recognition on banner
$1,080 - 4 Tickets ($540 donation) and “Associate” recognition on banner
$540 - 2 Tickets ($270 donation) and “Friend” recognition on banner
Our Sincere Gratitude to our Sponsors!
Benefactor
Tankard Nurseries
James B. Murray, Jr.
Guardian
Willbanks, Smith, & Thomas Asset Management
Steward
Jane Batten
Dominion Concrete Contractors, Inc.
John Malbon
Protector
Andy Mason
Robin Rinaca
Nell Minton
Associate
Kent McNew
Susan and Phil Harris
Friend
Jefferson Moulds and Brent Anderson
Tom Waller
Timothy Brown
Paul and Fredrika Jacobs
John and Elizabeth Cromwell
Tom Young
Aimee and Frank Batten
Hank and Julie Badger
Luke and Patty Kellam
L. Bruce Holland
Sharon Barnes
Special Thanks
Angie Benton
T. Lee Byrd
Davis Disposal
Eastern Shore Events and Rentals
Eastern Shore Signs
Brian Irminger
Moore’s Portable Solutions
Ocean Cove Seafood
Shooting Point Oyster Co.
Valliant Oysters
Walker Bros.
Walker’s Seafood LLC