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Watch the Highlights. Feel the Energy.
Now in its second year, Roast & Toast is The Hive Community Circle's annual signature fundraising and storytelling experience, bringing together community leaders, creatives, businesses, advocates, and supporters for an unforgettable evening of culture, connection, celebration, and impact.
Hosted at Central Energy in the heart of Columbia's BullStreet District, this elevated after-hours oyster roast blends exceptional cuisine, vibrant entertainment, and meaningful storytelling in one of Columbia's most exciting venues.
Guests can expect:
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Specially curated coastal cuisine featuring all-you-can-enjoy oyster creations and seafood specialties prepared by locally renowned chefs.
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Handcrafted cocktails and signature oyster shooters with a creative twist, including selections featuring Don Luchi wines and prosecco.
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Southern-inspired small plates thoughtfully crafted to complement the evening's culinary experience.
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An energetic soundtrack of high-vibe music that sets the tone for an evening of celebration, connection, and unforgettable memories.
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Interactive lawn games, including cornhole, pickleball, and other experiences designed to bring guests together.
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Meaningful stories of impact and community connections that celebrate the impact of The Hive and the people who make this work possible.
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The opportunity to elevate your evening with the exclusive Don Luchi VIP Experience, featuring premium lounge hospitality, chef-led culinary demonstrations, and specialty oyster offerings.
Throughout the evening, The Hive will also honor award recipients, recognizing individuals and community leaders whose leadership and service continue to advance healing, advocacy, philanthropy, and collective care across South Carolina.
More than a fundraiser, Roast & Toast is a celebration of community, resilience, and the belief that healing is sustained through connection. Every ticket purchased helps ensure The Hive can continue providing advocacy, wellness, prevention education, Community Circles, Bee Boxes, and other essential services for people impacted by sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking.
thank you to our 2026 Sponsors
Pearl Sponsor
Tide Sponsor
Shore Sponsors
Purchase your Tickets
The Pearl Package
Elevate your evening with exclusive access to:
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An Exclusive VIP Lounge featuring premium seating and an elevated hospitality experience presented by Don Luchi.
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Four drink tickets for a Curated Cocktail Experience with premium handcrafted cocktails highlighting Don Luchi wines and prosecco.
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A Signature Oyster Tasting Experience featuring all you can eat premium oyster creations, including live culinary demonstrations that showcase the artistry behind each dish.
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Enhanced Culinary Offerings with elevated selections and thoughtfully curated pairings, including non-seafood and vegetarian/vegan options.
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An Unparalleled Evening of Celebration with exclusive touches designed to make your Roast & Toast experience truly unforgettable.
VIP Experience| $150
The classic roast
Everything you need for an epic oyster roast:
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Specially Curated Coastal Cuisine featuring fresh oysters and seafood-inspired creations prepared by locally renowned chefs.
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Two drink tickets that include Handcrafted Cocktails to enjoy throughout the evening.
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Delicious food thoughtfully curated to offer something for every palate, including non-seafood and vegetarian/vegan options and up to a dozen and a half oysters.
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High Energy Entertainment with live DJ sets and vibrant musical vibes that create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
General Admission | $100
Meet the emcee
Roshanda Pratt
We’re excited to welcome Roshanda Pratt as our MC! A communication strategist, storyteller, author, and founder of REP Network, Roshanda brings more than 20 years of experience in television news and has been featured on The Talk, The Tamron Hall Show, and The Today Show.
With her signature mantra, “Visibility Is Power,” Roshanda knows how to bring energy, confidence, and connection to every room.
Meet the Honorees
mayor steve benjamin
HOPE IS leadership HONOREE
Mr. Steve Benjamin is an attorney, business executive, and former senior White House official whose leadership spans government, public policy, business, and community development. He served as Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, from 2010 to 2022 and later as Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.
Today, Mr. Benjamin is President & CEO of The Benjamin Firm, LLC, where he advises businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations on strategy, public affairs, economic development, and public-private partnerships. A respected national leader and longtime champion for his community, Mr. Benjamin brings a deep commitment to service, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
Niwdayra Tapia
HOPE IS ACTIVISM HONOREE
Niwdayra Tapia, better known as Ms. Popular, is a dynamic podcast host, event host, storyteller, community leader, and domestic violence advocate. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx, New York, she uses her platform to amplify the voices of entrepreneurs, entertainers, community leaders, and changemakers. Through the Most Popular Podcast, live events, advocacy, and community outreach, Ms. Popular is dedicated to empowering underserved communities, uplifting survivors, and creating meaningful opportunities for people to share their stories and inspire positive change.
Jonathan and Heather Tiedman
Catalyst Award HONOREEs
Jonathan and Heather Tiedman are the husband-and-wife team behind The LexiCo Group at Century 21 803, where they believe true success is measured by the families they serve and the communities they help strengthen. Through leadership, collaboration, and service, they are passionate about creating opportunities and giving back across South Carolina.
Together, they created Floatopia, a community event that brings people together while raising meaningful support for local nonprofit organizations. Heather is a top-producing REALTOR® and respected leader who mentors and supports fellow agents, while Jonathan is an entrepreneur, speaker, and community leader focused on developing people and building strong organizations. Through their business, partnerships, and philanthropy, Jonathan and Heather are committed to leaving every person and community better than they found it.
Billy Sinnett
Legacy Award HONOREEs
Billy Sinnett grew up in New Jersey and proudly served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school. He moved to South Carolina in 2009 and began his career in real estate in 2012.
After returning to church, Billy made a personal commitment to give 10% of his income. Because The Hive is an organization close to Michael Lewis, Billy felt called to support its mission too. That commitment has grown into a meaningful partnership with The Hive and its work in the community.
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Ann Turner
Hope is philanthropy Award HONOREEs
Ann Turner serves as the Assistant Vice President of Underwriting Operations at Colonial Life, where she provides strategic leadership across New Business, New Accounts, Application Underwriting, Underwriting Compliance, and Group Product Coordination. Over her seven years with the organization, she has made significant cross-functional contributions in Billing, the Service Hub, and Underwriting, consistently strengthening processes, enhancing risk controls, and developing high-performing teams. Her leadership is anchored in operational excellence, talent development, and a deep commitment to fostering inclusion and diversity.
Ann is also deeply engaged in community service and youth development. She serves on United Way Investment Committee and Community Impact Committee, in addition to contributing as a grant reviewer. Her civic involvement includes serving as a Diplomat for the Columbia Chamber, mentoring through the Chamber Alliance Mentoring Program and Braven, and supporting youth as a Company Advisor for The South Carolina Chamber Business Week. She also serves on the University of South Carolina College of Education Advisory Council and is a board member for The Hive Community Circle, advocating for survivors of trauma and advancing community empowerment.
Ann is a graduate of Blueprint for Leadership and a 2024 graduate of Leadership Columbia. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina—where she previously served on the Black Alumni Council—and an MBA from Webster University. Outside of her professional and community roles, Ann enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her husband, Patrick, and their three children.
Featured Chefs
Our culinary masters are crafting one-of-a-kind oyster experiences that push the boundaries of flavor.
From classic preparations with a twist to avant-garde creations, each dish tells a story.
Featured Oyster Artisan
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Meet Chef Elaina
With over a decade of experience in the foodservice industry, beginning in fine dining in 2014. Elaina’s career encompasses a range of experiences, including restaurant work, pop-ups, private dining, food and wine festivals, and national television appearances. She has been featured on The Food Network’s Chopped and FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen. Over the years, she’s held diverse roles, from line cook to now managing a team of more than 100 high school students. Elaina’s mission now is to guide the next generation of young line cooks by teaching them the value of hard work, the power of finding and using their voice, and the importance of being intentional in everything they do!
Mixology Masters
Our local mixology legends are shaking up signature cocktails designed to complement the briny, fresh flavors of the evening.
Each drink is a celebration in a glass.
Featured Craft Cocktail Curators
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Meet the Cocktail Bandits
Johnny Caldwell and Taneka Reaves, the curly-haired duo known worldwide as The Cocktail Bandits, are Charleston’s spirited ambassadors of flavor and culture. Through their signature blend of cocktails, conversation, and community, they celebrate female empowerment and elevate the food and beverage scene from a bold, feminine perspective. Featured by ESSENCE, PBS Moveable Feast, and Cuisine Noir, the Bandits have brought their sold-out experiences to Charleston, Atlanta, and Greenville food and wine festivals, and now, to Roast & Toast.
Featured DJ
Deejay June will be joining us to provide live entertainment to set the vibes for the evening
What to Expect
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Historic Victorian estate with elegant lawn space
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Sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere
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Delicious non-seafood offerings
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Sustainable, locally-sourced oysters
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Rain or shine event
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Attire Inspiration-Southern Chic Casual - come ready to celebrate
Ten Years of Transformation
For a decade, The Hive Community Circle has been a beacon of hope for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking in South Carolina. As a survivor-led, survivor-driven organization, we've provided unwavering support and compassion to over 2,000 survivors and their families, while reaching more than 3,000 community members through our prevention and outreach efforts.
This celebration isn't just about oysters—it's about the lives we've transformed, the strength we've witnessed, and the community of support we've built together. Every ticket purchased supports our continued mission to serve the most impacted, yet most underserved survivors in South Carolina.
Thank You to Our Partners
PEARL SPONSOR
TIDE SPONSORS
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Behnke Family
SHORE SPONSOR
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Prosecco Sponsor
Additional Sponsors
FAQ’s
