provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel Island is a sponsor for this month’s ABC Gala, celebrating the Captiva Civic Association’s 90th anniversary. The restaurant donated $1,000 to the Feb. 26 event, which is a fundraiser for the CCA Foundation and its mission of preserving, protecting and strengthening the island community. The Captiva jubilee features island fare, cocktails, live music and a live auction hosted by Rachel Pierce.
“As a company with deep island roots, we are proud to support the Captiva Civic Association and its important programs and activities,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which manages Doc Ford’s. “The association is dedicated to the quality of life, unique ambiance and environmental integrity of the islands.”
Since its inception in 1936, the not-for-profit community-based CCA has worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Captiva area. In addition to informing and sharing information with the public on issues facing the community, it provides a forum for ideas, concerns and needs while promoting community pride and social fellowship among its 500-plus members. For more information, visit ccacaptiva.org.
HM Restaurant Group and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille have a long history of philanthropy and community outreach, assisting charitable groups committed to conservation, community, education and the environment. The company supports F.I.S.H. of SANCAP, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Sanibel CARES and other organizations. Restaurant employees donate their time to clean up local beaches and volunteer at a variety of Southwest Florida nonprofits.
Doc Ford’s recently announced open registration and sponsorship opportunities for the 14th annual “Ding” Darling Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament Tarpon. Founded in 2012, the tourney has raised over $1.57 million for conservation and water-quality research at Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This year’s competition is May 15.
HM Restaurant Group’s successful Hospital Drinks program has raised over $140,300 from the sale of specialty cocktails at Doc Ford’s for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, and John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Petersburg. It has also donated $11,072 to Captains For Clean Water, supporting the nonprofit organization’s mission of raising awareness and spearheading change that addresses local water quality issues.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., award-winning Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is renowned for delivering a legendary guest experience and food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Revered for its sauces, spices, signature Yucatán shrimp served daily and passion, Doc Ford’s is beloved by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular seafood restaurant.
Doc Ford’s has expanded from its original Sanibel location to Fort Myers Beach and two in St. Petersburg, in Jungle Terrace and on the St. Petersburg Pier. The restaurant is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner. The pier location was named the nation’s No. 1 restaurant for Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023.