Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel is a manatee sponsor of the Children’s Education Center of the Islands’ Community Day celebration. The April 5 event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring facepainting, food and ice cream, crafts, games, a silent auction and fun on the playground while raising funds for the nonprofit organization’s preschool programs for children ages 2 to 5.
Doc Ford’s donated $1,500 to the education center, which depends on the community’s support to operate its school-year program and summer camps.
“The Children’s Education Center of the Islands provides a unique approach to learning through nature,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s. “As an avid supporter of environmental and conservation initiatives in Southwest Florida, we recognize the importance of teaching our children about the natural world around them at a young age.”
Founded in 1974, the Children’s Education Center of the Islands nurtures creativity, curiosity, well-being and childhood development through nature-based learning, hands-on exploration, playful education and outdoor adventures. Programs are designed to engage children and foster a love for learning, the environment and the natural beauty of Sanibel Island.
Education, community, conservation and environmental initiatives are at the core of HM Restaurant Group’s philanthropic philosophy. The company supports nonprofit organizations throughout Southwest Florida, including donating $1 from specialty cocktail sales to the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and Captains For Clean Water’s initiatives to improve the health of the Florida Everglades and Florida Bay.
Doc Ford’s is also the title sponsor of the annual Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, a fundraiser for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Now in its 13th year, the tourney has raised nearly $1.3 million. The 2025 event is May 9.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is known for delivering a legendary guest experience.
Inspired by the title character of Southwest Florida author Randy Wayne White’s novels, Doc Ford’s is beloved for mouth-watering sauces, spices and fresh seafood featuring Caribbean Rim flavors, including its signature Yucatan shrimp. A local favorite for residents and visitors alike, Doc Ford’s offers four locations, including Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Jungle Terrace in St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Pier. A perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner, the pier restaurant was named the No. 1 restaurant in the country on the global travel site’s Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats for 2023.
Visit docfords.com for menus and locations.
