Doc Ford’s sponsors SCCF’s The Cause for Conservation fundraiser

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a proud sponsor of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s annual The Cause for Conservation event. The Sanibel restaurant donated $2,000 as the valet sponsor for the Jan. 17 fundraiser, which supports the nonprofit organization’s fight to preserve Southwest Florida’s sanctuary islands and coastal ecosystems.

Held under the big tent and the stars at the historic Bailey Homestead Preserve, the event showcases globally inspired island cuisine and includes musical entertainment, a video premiere and a cause-related auction.

“The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s work is vital to protecting our unique environment and the quality of life that attracts residents and visitors to our islands,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s. “We’re honored to once again partner with the foundation to support its important mission.”

Doc Ford’s also sponsored the foundation’s Wines in the Wild fundraiser in November and supports the Sanibel Sea School, an immersive environmental camp for high school students.

SCCF, the largest private landowner on Sanibel Island, manages more than 1,800 acres, plus over 300 additional acres on surrounding islands, South Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Founded in 1967 as a land trust, the organization protects and cares for coastal ecosystems through a focus on conservation, science, education and advocacy.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, originating on Sanibel in 2003, and HM Restaurant Group, a Gulfshore Business 2025 best place to work, have a long history of philanthropy and community outreach, assisting local nonprofit organizations committed to conservation, community, education and the environment. Since 2012, the annual “Ding” Darling Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament has raised over $1.57 million for conservation and water-quality research at Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The 14th annual tournament is May 15, 2026.

With additional locations on Fort Myers Beach, Jungle Terrace in St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Pier, Doc Ford’s has donated over $133,000 to children’s hospitals in Fort Myers and St. Petersburg and raises money for water quality initiatives through the sale of specialty cocktails.

The award-winning restaurant offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Beloved for its sauces, spices and signature Yucatán shrimp served daily, Doc Ford’s is highly regarded by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular seafood restaurant. The restaurant is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner. The St. Petersburg Pier location was named the country’s No. 1 restaurant for Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023.

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