McDivot's Foundation

Dedicated to strengthening communities, we empower children and families by offering educational, athletic, and supportive resources that build resilience, promote health, and inspire self-confidence. 

McDivot's Foundation was founded in 2022 in Tampa, Florida, by a group of community members and business leaders, led by Wil "Ike" Eichler.  McDivot's Foundation was created to support families and children facing circumstances beyond their control to improve their quality of life.  

In 2021, McDivot’s beloved former owner, John “Big Popa” Castaneda, passed away unexpectedly, leaving his family to navigate life without him. Popa dedicated his life to serving others—offering advice, a helping hand, a warm meal, or even a place to stay. He never met a stranger, and everyone who crossed his path felt the genuine love and compassion he so freely gave.

As his family began to heal, the community rallied around them—introducing their son to organized sports. This gave him something to look forward to and, little by little, his smile began to return. That experience and support sparked the vision for what would become the Foundation.

The Foundation’s mission is to support local families in need by providing scholarships made possible through special events, raffles, grants, donations, and more.