Doc Ford’s employees donate to Ronald McDonald House

In a recent community outreach effort, employees from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on the St. Pete Pier started a new volunteer program, providing meals and companionship to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, near John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Nine team members from Doc Ford’s recently volunteered their time to serve meals to 45 families staying at the charity’s East House. The nonprofit is dedicated to supporting families with sick children in their time of need. Ronald McDonald House programs and services address the needs of families with ill or injured children so they can focus on the health and well-being of their child.

The Doc Ford’s employees prepared meals for the families on-site at Ronald McDonald House, packaging pulled pork sandwiches, black beans and rice and coleslaw into ready-made meals. 

“We are so proud of our employees for bringing the joy and the spirit of Doc Ford’s to others,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, in a prepared statement. HM Restaurant Group owns and operates the restaurant’s four locations in Florida. “Doc Ford’s is all about family and community. We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership with Ronald McDonald House and supporting its wonderful mission.”

St. Petersburg “East,” the third and largest Ronald McDonald House in Tampa Bay with 34 bedrooms, opened on the campus of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in March 1996. Photo: Ronald McDonald House Charities Tampa Bay.

One of four Ronald McDonald Houses in St. Petersburg and Tampa, the East House provides 34 bedrooms as a “home away from home” for parents whose children are patients at the hospital. The nonprofit’s Cook for Our Cause program, in which Doc Ford’s employees participated, encourages community volunteers to prepare or donate meals to lessen the burden and worry on families. The program participants served over 44,000 meals in 2023 at the four area Houses, where guests average a 20-night stay.

Doc Ford’s and HM have previously supported causes with its Hospital Drinks initiative, donating $1 from select cocktails to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers. The program has raised more than $123,000 since its inception, including $11,101 in 2023.

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