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Community Cooperative announces Soup-Off competition winners from its Empty Bowls fundraiser

By Staff | May 5, 2023

Community Cooperative announces the Soup-Off competition winners from its Empty Bowls fundraiser on April 29. The People’s Choice winner was Seed & Bean Market with Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onion Bisque. The Judge’s Choice winner was East Lee County High School with Chicken and Wild Rice.

Local restaurants and chefs brought their soup creations for attendees to sample and vote on. Participating restaurants and chefs were Seed & Bean Market, Community Cooperative’s Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen, Shrimp Shack, University Grill, PrawnBroker Restaurant and Fish Market, Nomiki Plakka Greek Restaurant, Young Parents Education Program, and East Lee County High School.

Official judges for the soup competition were Josh Robinson, also known as “Omgitswicks” on social media, Julia Jacobson from the Miss Universal Global Pageant, and Cerena Rolle from the Florida Gulf Coast University Women’s Basketball team.

“We’re so grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, student artists, judges, local restaurants, and attendees who made this event a success,” said Stefanie Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “While the event is fun and festive, it is also a reminder that many of our neighbors in southwest Florida don’t always know where their next meal will come from and rely on our services when they are in need.”

Along with the soup-off competition, the event featured live performances by Lee County School District students, family friendly activities, and local vendors. One-of-a kind handcrafted ceramic bowls were available for attendees at the event which were made by students from Gateway Elementary, Franklin Park Elementary, Allen Park Elementary, North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Middle, Estero High, Bonita Spring Middle Center for the Arts Middle, Hector A. Cafferata Elementary, Gateway High, Orangewood Elementary and Patriot Elementary.

The event raised $22,000 to support Community Cooperative’s emergency food programs, which include Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen, the Community Market, Meals on Wheels, and Mobile Food Pantries.

Florida Power & Light was the presenting sponsor of the event along with Friends of Kevin Ruane, WellMed, Florida Weekly, WastePro, Suncoast Beverage Sales, and Lamar Advertising.

About Community Cooperative

Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.

Source: Community Cooperative