Back to All Events

16th Annual Oyster Roast Dinner

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