Doc Ford’s sponsors BIG ARTS annual benefit

SANIBEL, Fla. (March 20, 2025) – Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille in Sanibel is supporting the arts as a
sponsor of BIG ARTS Sanibel Island’s annual benefit. The March 22 fundraiser advances the nonprofit
organization’s vision of creating great arts, entertainment and learning experiences that inspire, enrich and delight.

“We are always proud to support our hometown organizations that do so much for the
community,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s.
“BIG ARTS has been a mainstay for decades and brings a high caliber of visual and performing arts to the
island.”

Doc Ford’s, which was founded on Sanibel in 2003, donated $1,500 as a soulful supporter
sponsor.

Formed in 1979, BIG ARTS was created by and for the community by a small group of dedicated
artists who set out to establish a special gathering place where artistic and educational experiences were
available to all. The organization has grown into the island’s top destination for the arts and entertainment and today encompasses a multi-building campus with art studios and classrooms, exhibition space and theaters. BIG ARTS offers a vibrant yearly calendar of fine and performing arts, films, workshops and lectures.

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 commitment to improving 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 renowned 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.

Contact:
Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations, 239-275-5758,
[email protected]