Doc Ford’s employees donate 125 books to Ronald McDonald House in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 9, 2025) – Employees of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on the St.
Petersburg Pier recently donated 125 new books to the Ronald McDonald East House located on the
campus of John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. The employee-only drive collected
books for all ages for the nonprofit organization, which serves families of children who are patients at the
hospital.

“Our entire staff was so compassionate about participating in the drive, knowing the books will
provide a little comfort for the families,” said Meredith Richards, general manager of Doc Ford’s Rum
Bar & Grille on the St. Petersburg Pier. “We are happy to serve our community and so proud of our team
members for their generosity.” Restaurant employees initially partnered with the Ronald McDonald East House last year by donating their time, visiting with families and delivering meals for 45 families.

One of four Ronald McDonald Houses in St. Petersburg and Tampa, the East House provides 34
bedrooms as a home away from home, where guests average a 20-night stay. The locations have
comforted and cared for over 50,000 sick children and their families since 1980.

Doc Ford’s and HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates the restaurant’s four locations,
are long-time supporters of All Children’s Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest
Florida in Fort Myers. Their Hospital Drinks initiative donates $1 from select cocktails to both hospitals.
The program has raised more than $133,000 since its inception.

With locations on the St. Petersburg Pier, Jungle Terrace in St. Petersburg, Sanibel Island and Fort
Myers Beach, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille is known for philanthropy and community outreach,
supporting additional local nonprofits dedicated to conservation, community, education and the
environment.

Renowned for its legendary guest experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11
a.m. to 10 p.m.

The award-winning restaurant 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 pier restaurant was named the No. 1 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]