• 20th Annual Sam Galloway Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit 2023 Gallery

    The 20th Annual Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit Raises Over $1 Million

    The 20th annual Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit was held March 9 to raise much needed funds for Community Cooperative. The event attracted over 700 attendees who raised more than $1 million for Community Cooperative to support its vital programs.

    The event was held in the service garages of Sam Galloway Ford in Fort Myers and featured southern-style dinner prepared and donated by nearly 20 local restaurants and businesses as guests raised funds to support those struggling with hunger and homelessness.

    “We strive to support and strengthen 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,” said Stefanie Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “Sam’s Community Café & Markets, Mobile Food Pantries, and Meals on Wheels programs ensure that families and homebound seniors in need have access to nutritious food while our Social & Education Resource Centers provide long-term sustainable solutions for change. After the impacts of Hurricane Ian, we have been helping more people than ever.”

    Restaurants and businesses that donated food to the event included: Chris and Katilin Whitaker of LYNQ; Harold Balink of Harold’s; Mike and Karen Gavala of G3 Catering; Will Prather and Maureen Green-Prather of Broadway Palm; Vickie and Andre Jones of Jonesez BBQ; Wesley Hansen, Jr. And Deanna Hansen; Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery; Chip and Betsy Barnwell of The Farmer’s Market Restaurant; Tim and Healy Yoa of Artisan Eatery; Norman Love Confections; Kristin Potts of Kristin’s Famous Key Lime Pies; Uncle Charlie’s Cookie Ministry; Mast Family Culligan; the Mitchell Family of Suncoast Beverage; The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon; Seed & Bean Market; Total Wine & More.