Community Cooperative raised more than $1 million with a record turnout of more than 770 people at the 19th annual soup kitchen benefit. The funds will be used to help men, women and children in the county who struggle every day with hunger and homelessness.

“We have veterans sleeping in the woods and families sleeping in cars right here in Southwest Florida,” said Stefanie Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “Many are working families who can’t bear the costs of rising food, housing and gas prices. Once again, our supporters generously stood by us and donated to ensure we can serve those struggling with hunger and homelessness. And as our dear friend, the event founder and namesake, the late Sam Galloway, Jr. would say, ‘because it’s the right thing to do.'”

The evening’s inspiration started with the singing of Galloway’s favorite song, “God Bless America,” the Pledge of Allegiance and messages from Galloway’s son, Robert Galloway, who is also a member of the Community Cooperative board of directors. Kicking off the fundraising, Edwards and emcee and NBC-2 anchor Kellie Burns shared a compelling video and statistics that tell the story of the impact of Community Cooperative.

More than 150 volunteers came together to put on the event, along with nearly 20 food and drink vendors that donated a southern-style dinner served in the service garages at Sam Galloway Ford in Fort Myers. The centerpieces from the evening were distributed as a special surprise to Meals on Wheels participants after the event.

The 20th Annual Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit is scheduled for March 2, 2023.

For 37 years, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education and social service programs. For more resources and information on how to get involved, contact Tami Holliday at Tami@communitycooperative.com or call 239-332-7687.

Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made directly at CommunityCooperative.com, or mailed to: Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902.