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Despite the sweltering summer heat at the Jersey Shore, thousands of fans flocked to Sea Isle City for Jason Kelce’s highly anticipated annual celebrity bartending event, a star-studded gathering dedicated to raising funds for the Eagles Autism Foundation. The fifth installment of this beloved tradition took place Wednesday at The Ocean Drive, where all proceeds from the evening supported autism research and programs through the Eagles Autism Foundation.
No party thrown by Jason Kelce is ever low-key, and this year’s event was no exception. True to his larger-than-life persona, Kelce wowed the crowd by making a memorable entrance clad in a red, white, and blue Speedo, instantly electrifying the Ocean Drive bar. With Kelce behind the counter, a host of Eagles stars and franchise legends—among them Brandon Graham, Landon Dickerson, and Cooper DeJean—joined in, serving drinks, signing autographs, and snapping photos with eager fans all evening long.
The mix of celebrity presence and charitable spirit powered the event’s infectious atmosphere, with many attendees lining up long before doors opened to secure a prime spot.
“As long as people are still interested in coming, I’m still interested in doing it,” Kelce said, reinforcing his ongoing commitment to both the cause and the community.
The event is more than just a festival for Eagles fans; it has become a fixture on the Jersey Shore calendar and a platform for significant fundraising. Since its inception in 2021, Kelce’s bartending event has generated over $1.4 million for the Eagles Autism Foundation, setting a new standard for community-driven philanthropy in professional sports. In tune with the foundation’s mission, every donation helps fund vital autism research, awareness programs, and local resources for families in need.
Landon Dickerson highlighted the dual spirit of the day:
“I know it’s hot out here, the turnout is amazing. It’s a great time, and we’re going to raise a lot of money and have a lot of fun today.”
Kelce himself reflected on why he returns year after year:
“It’s a great cause to raise money around. You get to have a blast with the fans and drink a bunch. And you get to hang out with a bunch of the guys you used to love hanging around with every day. So it’s a great event for us.”
For more about the Eagles Autism Foundation’s impact and to donate, you can visit their official site.
Fans turned out in force, many gathering before 8 a.m. just to be the first through the doors. Philadelphia fan Cami Amatucci, who recently got married, brought the festivities along with her:
“I said, ‘Go Birds,’ in my vows, it’s only perfect to be here.”
Some fans traveled from out of state just to meet their heroes, creating an electric and supportive atmosphere. One standout moment was a video on social media showing Kelce dancing along to Taylor Swift, quickly making the rounds on Instagram and Twitter and adding to the event’s buzz.
Before the evening kicked off at Ocean Drive, the Eagles Autism Foundation also hosted a family-friendly event at Excursion Park. For a $25 donation, guests of all abilities could participate in mini football games, cheer and drumline clinics. The entire day, from noon through the evening, was a full-scale celebration of community and Eagles spirit.
Fans looking to commemorate the day could also grab exclusive “Shore Birds” T-shirts, a new item for this year’s Team 62 event. To find out how to get yours, check out this guide for fans.
As the bartending event concluded, the sentiment on Landis Avenue was unanimous: this is the highlight of summer for many Eagles fans, and they’re already marking their calendars for next year. The massive turnout and raised funds affirm the deep ties between the Eagles community, their players, and important charitable causes.
Kelce and his fellow Eagles continue to set an example of what it means to give back—one drink, autograph, and photo at a time. To relive moments from the event and see future announcements, follow CBS News Philadelphia and watch for more updates on upcoming Eagles Autism Foundation activities.
For a recap and visual highlights, check out local coverage of the 2025 event at CBS News Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Inquirer. And for fans interested in future events, make sure to follow the official Eagles Autism Foundation page.