On Sunday, November 6, about 220 hungry friends of TGS joined with Kingfishers under the grand tent in Francis Marion Park.  The afternoon sun was gorgeous and the air was filled with the smell of steaming oysters and hot pilau.  We scurried around, dumping oysters on the tables and making sure all the condiments were in place.  Local guitarist Will Ness kept the mood mellow with his music–everyone was in fine spirits!  “This is the best party ever,” said one patron as he sampled the chicken and enjoyed a beer overlooking the lovely Sampit River.

As the afternoon wore on, patrons were really enjoying the oysters and eventually Dr. Gates had to go out and get four more bushels to satisfy the demand.  Our source East Bank Seafood up on  Wood St. sent two complimentary bushels of fresh blue crabs for everyone to enjoy.  It was a fine day all around.

TGS would like to thank all the families who volunteered and made this event such a success, especially Lisa and Bryan Miller, Laura Tate and Liz Attias, plus master oyster-cookers Jeep Ford and Brad Payne.  The donations were great and the Silent Auction brought in a lot of money.  Many thanks to our faithful sponsors: H & S Oil, Better Brands, East Bank Seafood, the River Room Restaurant and Pretty Penny Restaurant (Hemingway).  We also got amazing help from our friends at the S. C. Maritime Museum, the Family Justice Center, and S.C.E.L.P.  See you in 2017!