Annual fundraiser supports “neighbors helping neighbors”
FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 10, 2024) – Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, a Sanibel tradition since 2003, is celebrating the island’s 50th anniversary – and helping the community – by sponsoring a water table during FISH of SANCAP’s annual JOGnJAM 10K and 5K races Saturday, Dec. 7. The $2,500 donation supports FISH’s many programs, including a food pantry and daily hot meals; scholarships for adults, afterschool care and summer camps; transportation and services for seniors; and emergency financial assistance.
“We have been a long-time supporter of FISH because of the remarkable work they do,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company. “This incredible nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing social services, education and assistance for Sanibel and Captiva residents and the islands’ workforce.”
The daylong JOGnJAM begins with the starting gun for the 10K race at 7 a.m. and the 5K run at 7:15 a.m., followed by a kid’s run. It also includes a concert with Funk You at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort and fireworks on the beach.
Proceeds from sponsorships advance FISH’s mission of enriching the lives of all people on Sanibel and Captiva islands through “neighbors helping neighbors.” FISH is Sanibel’s only human servies organization. One of the nonprofit organization’s top fundraisers, the 2023 race and concert raised over $60,000.
For race registration and more information, visit fishofsancap.org.
Founded on Sanibel in 2003, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and HM Restaurant Group support a number of local charities committed to conservation, community and the environment. Since its inception in 2012, the annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament has raised nearly $1.3 million for conservation and water-quality research at the island’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The 13th annual tournament is May 9, 2025.
HM Restaurant Group also supports the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Sanibel CARES and raises money for children’s hospitals in Fort Myers and St. Petersburg through sales of designated drinks at Doc Ford’s. It recently partnered with Captains For Clean Water to donate $1 from every Send It South cocktail sold at Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company to the nonprofit organization.
Renowned for its legendary guest experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
With four locations, including Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and two in St. Petersburg, award-winning Doc Ford’s offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Beloved for its sauces, spices and signature Yucatan shrimp served daily, it’s highly regarded by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular seafood restaurant. Doc Ford’s is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner. The St. Petersburg Pier restaurant was named the No. 1 restaurant for Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023.
Contact:
Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations, 239-275-5758, [email protected]
