For the last nine years, Anna Maria Oyster Bar has held an annual fundraiser benefiting the Tidewell Foundation, raising more than $20,000 to support hospice care and grief services in the local community. This year’s “Tidewell Day” fundraiser will be held Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 at all four Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) locations.

The fundraiser began in honor of “Old Man” Jerry Yettaw, who is often referred to as the “original chef” of the Anna Maria Oyster Bars. Founder and CEO John Horne considers Yettaw one of his most formative influences and mentors throughout his career. “Old Man” Jerry Yettaw’s time spent working with John Horne dates back to Fast Eddie’s Place in Anna Maria, the establishment that Horne credits as his start in the hospitality industry.

Yettaw passed away in February 2012—he was cared for by Tidewell Hospice during his final days. The following year, AMOB held its very first fundraiser on Feb. 24, dubbed “Jerry’s Day,” donating that day’s sales of Yettaw’s famous Danish Baby Back ribs from all their locations to Tidewell. When John and Lynn Horne’s mother Ann passed away in 2019 they expanded the event to be known as “Tidewell Day” to honor her memory as well.

“The angels at Tidewell cared for both ‘Old Man’ Jerry Yettaw and Ann Senn Horne in their final days, as they have for so many members of so many families in our community. Strong families equate to strong communities, and support for the Tidewell Foundation aligns with our values. We’re proud to contribute to the Tidewell Foundation on Feb. 24, and however else we can, throughout the year,” said John Horne, Founder and CEO of Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

“We are incredibly thankful for the many years of generous support from John and Amanda Horne and the entire Anna Maria Oyster Bar family,” said Debbie Mason, President of the Tidewell Foundation. “Their commitment to the Tidewell Foundation ensures that we can continue to provide community care and critical grief services in our region, free of charge to all those who need them.”

During this year’s “Tidewell Day” on Feb. 24, $10 from each order of Danish Baby Back Ribs at all Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations will be donated to the Tidewell Foundation. For a complete listing of Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations and more information, visit https://www.oysterbar.net

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About Tidewell Foundation, Inc.
The Tidewell Foundation, Inc. is an independent 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation established to ensure perpetual philanthropic support to Tidewell Hospice and its family of healthcare companies. Charitable contributions to the Tidewell Foundation sustain and grow the critically important programs and services provided through the not-for-profit mission of Tidewell Hospice and its affiliates. Donor-funded programs offer compassion and comfort to those who need it most in our community by caring for all, regardless of their ability to pay. It starts with generosity and is paid forward with every patient connection, family served and life changed. Discover how each donation strengthens our community; learn more by visiting tidewellfoundation.org.