By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
The burly, bearded guy tending bar on Wednesday at the Ocean Drive Sandbar and Grill will be instantly recognizable to Philadelphia Eagles fans.
Jason Kelce, the Eagles Pro-Bowl and All-Pro center and member of the 2018 Super Bowl championship team, will be serving up drinks at the popular Sea Isle City bar and nightspot.
No, he’s not working a part-time bartending gig over the summer. He’ll be at the Ocean Drive, known to locals as the OD, for a fundraising event benefiting the Eagles Autism Foundation.
“On the field we’re united by one objective; victory. Off the field, we are drawn together by an even larger goal: taking action for autism,” the foundation says on its Facebook page promoting the event.
The fundraiser is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Prizes will be given away. Doors open at 3 p.m.
Special guests will also include the Eagles cheerleaders and the team’s mascot Swoops.
The Ocean Drive bar and nightclub on Landis Avenue will host the fundraiser.
Kelce already is a familiar face at the OD and its sister property, O’Donnell’s Pour House restaurant and pub.
Kathy Larkin, manager of both properties, said Kelce and his family had dinner at the Pour House about two weeks ago and have eaten there before.
“We’re honored that he approached us for the fundraiser. Jason Kelce is a customer of ours for years,” Larkin said.
“We’re really excited. This is so cool to be partnering with the Eagles,” she added.
Kelce also stops in from time to time at the OD with his friends, Larkin said.
Photos have been circulating on social media recently of Kelce visiting in Sea Isle along with his younger brother, Travis Kelce, the Pro-Bowl and All-Pro tight end and 2020 Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs.
For more information about the Eagles Autism Foundation fundraiser, visit
(17) Eagles Autism Foundation | Facebook.
Ocean Drive Sandbar and Grill is located at 3915 Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City. For more information, visit
theod.com or call (609 263-1000.
