Pictured: John and Amanda Horne. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

Restaurateurs Amanda and John Horne, owners of Oysters Rock Hospitality, have earned a reputation in the local hospitality industry for excellence, friendly service and a strong commitment to giving back. Through Shuckin’ Good Cause, the philanthropic arm of Oysters Rock Hospitality, the couple provides financial assistance and support to community members and employees facing hardships or emergencies.

“Shuckin’ Good Cause is our way of giving back while celebrating our love for seafood,” says John. “It is all about using our platform to make a positive impact and support causes that matter both inside our four walls and in our communities."

This year, Shuckin’ Good Cause and Oysters Rock Hospitality celebrated the successful completion of the 10th summer of Dive Into Reading, a literacy and mentorship program designed to help elementary students strengthen reading skills, build confidence and combat summer learning loss. By providing books, educational resources and mentorship throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties, the program helps improve literacy while encouraging a lifelong love of reading.

During its 10th summer, Dive Into Reading welcomed 373 students who gathered each morning with volunteer mentors, educators, restaurant teams and community partners for breakfast, books and encouragement. Since its launch, the program has expanded to 17 Title I elementary schools and six host locations, serving more than 3,000 students. This year, every participant also received a backpack filled with school supplies to help start the new school year prepared for success.

“At Oysters Rock Hospitality, we believe that businesses have a responsibility to give back to the communities they serve,” says John. “This is our way of living out that belief and making a positive impact, one shuck at a time.”

To learn more about Dive Into Reading or become a volunteer mentor, visit OysterBar.net/reading.

Pictured: John and Amanda Horne. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.