O'Brien's Owner Receives Citizen's Award for Efforts to Raise Funds for Deputy

By Meredith Rucker

As part of its quarterly awards ceremony March 13, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office recognized Sean Rice, owner of O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant in Brandon, for his fundraising efforts on behalf of Hillsborough County Deputy Dan Whitt by presenting him with the Citizen's Award.

Whitt is a husband and father of four who is battling stomach cancer.

When approached last year by friends of the deputy looking to help the Whitt family, Rice offered to host a fish-fry fundraiser at his pub at 701 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon, with a promise to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the Whitt family.

The event was held at O'Brien's Irish Pub Dec. 12, raising $30,000 for the family.

The battle against cancer strikes close to home for Rice.

“I’ve lost a few relatives to cancer and my business partner is battling cancer right now," Rice said. "They are fighting an incredible fight and they need everyone’s help. You have to go above and beyond to help good people with the battle.”

Rice also leads a committee named O’Brien’s Fire-Breathing Rubber Ducks to help raise awareness for the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute through its Miles for Moffitt campaign. Last year O'Brien's was the top fundraiser, collecting more than $13,000.

“We give back to the community selflessly because it’s the right thing to do—so when you’re recognized and honored, it’s very humbling and you feel very grateful," said Rice. "The recognition truly belongs to our generous patrons because, without their contributions and support, we would have no funds to turn over to these families and charities in need.”

Rice is already at work on his next charity event—the O’Brien’s signature“KenDucky Derby—to be held on Saturday, May 4 at O’Brien’s Irish Pub. All proceeds will benefit Miles for Moffitt and the Moffitt Cancer Center.

"This year our goal is to sell 1,500 ducks and raise $20,000," said Rice.

For more information, visit O'Brien's website or follow Rice's committee on Facebook.