
In the wake of the devastating fire that destroyed South Kingstown’s iconic Matunuck Oyster Bar, the local community gathered in support of the venue and its team with a fundraiser at Charlestown’s Bend Studio at Wilcox Tavern on May 31. Guests enjoyed a raw bar, live music, yoga classes and a silent auction, with fine wine, beer and cocktails donated by beverage sponsors Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company; Wine Wizards; Monsieur Touton Selection, Ltd.; Mancini Beverage Company; McLaughlin & Moran, Inc.; Elmo Pio; and Bend Studio. Hosted by Caroline Kene, Owner, Bend Studio, all event proceeds benefited Matunuck Oyster Bar staff.
- Perry Raso, Owner, Matunuck Oyster Bar at the benefit held at Charlestown’s Bend Studio at Wilcox Tavern.
- Terra Emery, Executive Assistant to Perry Raso; Caroline Kene, Owner, Bend Studio and Fundraiser Host; and Perry Raso, Owner, Matunuck Oyster Bar.
- Frenzy Mount Richmond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay, Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Swanson Cabernet Sauvignon, Saldo Zinfandel and Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Vinny Metayer, Wine Director, Matunuck Oyster Bar; Caroline Kene, Owner, Bend Studio and Fundraiser Host; and Michael Jervis, Manager, Matunuck Oyster Bar.
- Erika Lyons, Bartender, Matunuck Oyster Bar pouring AIX Rosé for a guest.
- Matunuck Oyster Bar Bartenders Jordan Serra, Dan Ramponi, Erika Lyons and Stephanie Ramponi.
- Tom Gardner and Beth Hundley, Owners, Watch Hill Oysters.
- All Matunuck Oyster Bar Shuckers: Ben Gallucci, Joey Porcelli, Parker Slaugenhaupt and Will Anderson.
- Matunuck Oyster Bar Shuckers Sean Donnelly, Matt Goppold and Henry Graham.
- Guests enjoyed a raw bar paired with beverage selections.
- Local oysters from Watch Hill Oysters.
- The Passion & Smoke cocktail: mezcal, limeade, soda water and passion fruit lemonade.
- Guests placed bids on fine wines and other items at the event’s silent auction.
- Perry Raso, Owner, Matunuck Oyster Bar with Matunuck Oyster Bar employees and event attendees.
- Guests at the fundraiser for Matunuck Oyster Bar at Charlestown’s Bend Studio at Wilcox Tavern.
Photos by Laura Widness.