Sarasota Jersey Mike's To Raise Money For Family Of Football Coach Who Died From COVID-19

SARASOTA, FL — As a football coach in the Sarasota and Manatee counties, Elton Strawderman – known to many players and their families as “Coach E” – has touched thousands of lives.

The offensive coordinator for Sarasota High School’s football program lost his battle with COVID-19 last month. He was 49 years old.

In a Jan. 25 Facebook post, days before his death, his son, Nate Strawderman, also a coach at Sarasota, said his father was hospitalized with pneumonia caused by COVID-19 for more than a week.

Now, the Jersey Mike’s Subs at 2031 Bahia Vista Road in Sarasota is working with Sarasota High School Athletics to support Elton Strawderman’s family.

Related Story: Sarasota High School Football Coach Dies From COVID-19

On Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., 20 percent of sales at that shop will be donated to his family on behalf of the high school’s athletic program.

To participate in the fundraiser, diners should present the flyer below in the store or order on the Jersey Mike’s Subs app using the promo code SHSA.

“Enjoy some great subs and help Jersey Mike’s support this worthy cause,” the flyer reads.

Strawderman’s death is “a tragedy for the community,” said Patti Roland, marketing director for Jersey Mike’s Subs.

She said the chain’s Sarasota locations have worked with Sarasota High School on other fundraisers in the past, as well.

Before joining Sarasota High School’s football program last year, he previously served as offensive coordinator for Bradenton Christian School and Braden River High School.

A GoFundMe fundraiser organized for Strawderman and his family by Sarasota High School’s head football coach, Brody Wiseman, has raised more than $11,000 since it launched Jan. 20.