Oysters Rock Hospitality and Shuckin’ Good Cause Partnered with The Center of AMI and The Women’s Resource Center to Deliver First Round of Funds
Bradenton, FL – Oysters Rock Hospitality, through its philanthropic arm Shuckin’ Good Cause (SGC), proudly announces the initial results of its ROCK ‘N’ SUPPORT concert initiative, providing much-needed financial assistance to hospitality and tourism workers in Manatee County’s Gulf Island communities. To date, the program has distributed more than $195,000 in relief funds, helping 419 individuals recover from the devastating effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
ROCK ‘N’ SUPPORT, fueled by proceeds from the Lynyrd Skynyrd benefit concert coordinated by The Center of Anna Maria Island and funded by the Tourist Development Council of Manatee County Government, was created to address the significant challenges faced by hospitality and tourism workers in Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Cortez, and the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key. Concert proceeds, including ticket sales and beverages sold by volunteers from the Hernando De Soto Historical Society, have provided vital financial support to workers grappling with lost wages, evacuation expenses, and property damage caused by the storms. The Women’s Resource Center mobilized quickly, adding additional staff to process hundreds of grant applications on an escalated timeline.
“Immediately after Hurricane Helene, we recognized the extraordinary need within the hospitality and tourism industry to recover,” said John Horne, CEO of Oysters Rock Hospitality. “When Hurricane Milton struck soon after, the need for relief became even more urgent. Our team is honored to work with such outstanding partners like the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (BACVB), The Center of Anna Maria Island, and The Women’s Resource Center to support our community through the Shuckin’ Good Cause fund. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners for acting so swiftly, moving mountains to make this critical funding available, which ensured our local hospitality and tourism workers receive the support they need during these challenging times.”
Initiative Highlights:
- Total Distributed to Date: $186,000 in grants.
- Applications Processed: 472 submitted, 419 approved, and 22 currently under review.
- Grant Tiers: $500 for full-time employees (working 25+ hours per week) and $250 for part-time employees.
- Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must work in the hospitality or tourism sector within the Manatee County Gulf Islands, have at least six months of employment prior to September 26, 2024, and demonstrate hurricane-related financial impact.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, SGC engaged The Women’s Resource Center as a third-party application administrator to verify applicants and manage the process. SGC remains the primary resource for workers and employers seeking relief and oversees fund accounting and distribution.
Empowering Local Recovery
The initiative underscores SGC’s commitment to supporting the community’s recovery. Beyond direct relief, SGC led the grant program collaboration, assisted with promotional efforts for the ROCK ‘N’ SUPPORT concert, engaged local employers to verify worker eligibility, and established compliance measures for fund distribution.
Additional Impact
The ROCK ‘N’ SUPPORT program has brought relief to a wide range of hospitality professionals, from food service workers and hotel staff to event professionals and tour operators. This initiative exemplifies Oysters Rock Hospitality’s dedication to sustaining the local economy and improving the quality of life for those who make the Manatee County Gulf Islands a vibrant tourist destination.
“As a company deeply rooted in the hospitality industry, it’s our mission to stand by the individuals who bring so much life and energy to our community,” Horne added.
Ongoing Support and How to Apply
The ROCK ‘N’ SUPPORT fund is still accepting applications, with grants distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Eligible workers can apply online and must provide proof of employment and hurricane-related impacts.
For more information or to apply, https://centerami.org/rocknsupportgrant/ or email PamelaB@OystersRock.net.
“We know there are more people out there who qualify for this relief but may not have applied yet,” said Eleni Sokos, Executive Vice President of Oysters Rock Hospitality. “These funds are here to help workers in our hospitality and tourism community get back on their feet. If you meet the criteria, don’t hesitate—apply now!”
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be employed in the hospitality or tourism industry (food & beverage, tour operators, rental companies, etc.) in the Manatee County Gulf Islands.
- Have been employed for at least six months prior to September 26, 2024.
- Have experienced hurricane-related financial impacts, including lost wages, evacuation expenses, or property damage.
Eligible Areas: Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Cortez, and the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key (zip codes 34215, 34216, 34217, 34218, and the Manatee County portion of 34228).
How to Apply
Complete the online application: https://centerami.org/rocknsupportgrant/.
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, with approved grants distributed promptly.
What’s at Stake?
Funds are limited, but more money remains to provide critical relief to workers in need. If you’ve been affected by the hurricanes and meet the eligibility criteria, this is your chance to receive financial support.
Monetary Contributions to Shuckin’ Good Cause
The Shuckin’ Good Cause Employee Relief fund has already helped so many lives thanks to the incredible support of our community, but the work isn’t done yet. Your generosity can help us go even further. Whether it’s your first time donating or you’re inspired to give again, every contribution matters.
Please consider making a financial contribution online now at OystersRock.net/donate.
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About Oysters Rock Hospitality
Oysters Rock Hospitality, led by award-winning restaurateurs and philanthropists John and Amanda Horne, is a team of passionate hospitality experts dedicated to creating Five Star Fun experiences for every guest. Our vision of impeccable hospitality is to ensure that everyone at our table knows that they belong.
Based in the Bradenton Area, the Oyster Rock brand portfolio operates in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, Florida, and includes the locally-beloved Anna Maria Oyster Bars, the iconic Café L’Europe, the vibrant Kefi Streetside Café, and our philanthropic arm, Shuckin’ Good Cause, which encompasses initiatives like Dive Into Reading, the Employee Relief Fund, and enhances our community through our Pillars of Philanthropy: Education, Heroes, Affiliations, and Quality of Life. Find more information online at OystersRock.net | 941-761-7797
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pam Beck
Director of Shuckin’ Good Cause
Oysters Rock Hospitality
PamelaB@OystersRock.net
440-804-6386