The Shuck Cancer fundraiser held at Oak Hollow last Thursday had all the elements needed for a great party: beautiful weather, beautiful people, a plethora of local oysters, and bourbon! Oak Hollow in Fairhope is a perfect venue for an event such as this, as guests could stay outside sampling oysters under a huge tent or go inside in the barn, where live music, delicious food, and bourbon tastings were enjoyed.

The concept of raising money for the American Cancer Society, by having local members of the community become “ Shuckers,” is brilliant in my opinion. The shucker's job is to raise money by selling tickets to the party as well as hosting other fundraising events like pickleball, mahjong, corn hole, golf tournaments, and art exhibits. My neighbors, Brian Tan and Grace Kahn, were Shuckers, and their involvement brought my attention to this fabulous event.

The list of chefs, restaurants, oyster farms, and bourbon distillers that participated was a who's who of the well-regarded culinary community. The list is so long that I couldn't possibly list them all, but you can find the names on The Shuck Cancer South Alabama Facebook Page. You will be amazed at how many individuals and businesses participated. I've been involved in a lot of money-raising events in my time, and I must say this one was so well organized and so well attended (Sold Out), and everything from the food, drinks, decor, and music ( The Baliwicks ) was top-notch. And monetarily, it was a huge success, as they raised $235,000, more than double what was raised last year.

Roseann Haven of WKRG was the emcee for the introduction of the Shuckers and the announcement of the 2026 Shucker of the Year. Dr Katelin Holmes, a surgeon at Thomas Hospital, was the winner by generating $41,000 for the cause. Proceeds will support “Access to Care” for patients traveling for their cancer treatments in Alabama. The funds are used to help with transportation or places to stay during cancer treatments.

I was pleasantly surprised to see how many oyster farms were represented, and being able to sample these delicacies right as they were shucked was a real treat. I was aware of some of the farms, like Admiral Shellfish and Navy Cove, but enjoyed getting to taste some less familiar ones: Pointe aux Pins, North Gulf Farms, Isle Dauphine Oysters, and La Belle Oyster Company. 

Eating raw oysters on the half shell from local waters in the Scenic 98 Coastal area is a treat that can't be beat! I also really enjoyed a crispy fried oyster, ginger scallion, and smoked Shoyu, served over sticky rice. This dish was a Market by the Bay offering, and I complimented the owner, Harry Johnson, who was there tasting all the other great food. 

On to the bourbon…. Picture table after table with pours in shot glasses, 7 distillers with names like Clyde May’s, Judge Roy Bean Spirits, Penelope Bourbon, Nighthawks Bourbon, and more. There was also a Booze Pull… For $25, pull a bottle; guests don't know exactly what they are getting until they grab it: wine, vodka, or bourbon. Needless to say, everybody had a great time. 

Plans are in the works for the 2027 Shuck Cancer, April 8, 2027, and organizers say sponsorships will sell out quickly. To be the first in line for sponsorship opportunities, join the waiting list by emailing mary.waldrop@cancer.org.