Rays to Host Thanksmas Fundraiser at 717 South Tonight

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon will host his sixth annual Thanksmas fundraiser event at restaurant Friday night, Dec. 9.

Since 2006, Maddon and his team have cooked and served a traditional meal, which includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, pierogies, sausage, Italian bread, and cake, to hundreds of needy folks around the Tampa Bay area between Thanksgiving and Christmas, hence the name Thanksmas.

This is the second year in a row that Maddon will host a fundraiser for Thanksmas at 717 South, 717 S Howard Ave.

“We’re proud to be a part of Joe’s vision,” said restaurant owner Michael Stewart. “The holidays are a time for being together with loved ones, and for people who are homeless this is an especially hard time for them. We want to give back to our community and do something to help bring people cheer and happiness during the holidays.”

Tonight, 717 South’s patrons will be treated to the same spaghetti meal that Maddon serves to the homeless and Rays players and coaches will be guest bartenders, including Johnny Damon, James Shields and David Price.

Event organizer Brooke Palmer said that reservations are all booked, but walk-ins will be accepted at the bar starting at 5 p.m.

Folks can order from a limited menu that includes pierogies, spaghetti, and a light salad.

Tips at the bar and proceeds from the entrees will go to Maddon’s Thanksmas.

For more information, visit joesthanksmas.com.