• Community Cooperative and Chef Harold Balink’s Newest Restaurant, Vybe, Partner for School Supplies & Food Drive to Support Local Students and Families

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Community Cooperative and Chef Harold Balink’s Newest Restaurant, Vybe, Partner for School Supplies & Food Drive to Support Local Students and Families

    FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 2026) – As students prepare to head back to the classroom, Community Cooperative is partnering with Vybe, Chef Harold Balink’s new whiskey and wine bar at Bell Tower, to host a School Supplies & Food Drive on Wednesday, July 29, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

    The community is invited to support local children and families by donating much-needed school supplies and individually packaged snacks while enjoying an evening at one of Fort Myers’ newest gathering spots. Located at Bell Tower, Vybe pairs curated wines and whiskeys with chef-driven shareable dishes, live music, and an inviting atmosphere designed to help guests unwind, socialize, and stay awhile.

    The event will take place on the patio at Vybe, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 245, Fort Myers, and offers a fun way to give back while enjoying an evening out. Guests who bring five donation items will receive a free small plate, courtesy of Vybe, along with half-price wells and wines during the event.

    Donations collected will help stock Community Cooperative’s Community Market and support back-to-school distributions, ensuring local children in need have the tools and nutritious snacks necessary to begin the school year successfully.

    “As families prepare for a new school year, many are balancing the cost of school supplies while continuing to put food on the table,” said Stefanie Ink, CEO of Community Cooperative. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and help ensure local children have the essentials they need to learn, grow, and thrive. We’re incredibly grateful to Chef Harold Balink and the entire Vybe team for partnering with us to make giving back both meaningful and enjoyable.”

    Community Cooperative is seeking donations of new school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, scissors, tissues, hand sanitizer, and other classroom essentials. Individually packaged snacks such as granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks, applesauce pouches, and juice boxes are also needed to help support children and families served through the organization’s programs. All donations will benefit local children and families in Southwest Florida.

    Those unable to attend the event can still support local families by making a financial donation at https://communitycooperative.com/give-help/.

    For more information about the School Supplies & Food Drive or to learn how to support Community Cooperative’s mission, contact Events@CommunityCooperative.com.

    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 remains committed to collecting and distributing resources through a strong network of community partners, serving all with compassion and integrity.

     

    Media Contact: Maité Araiza, Marketing & Communications Coordinator at Maite@CommunityCooperative.com or call 239-332-7687 ext. 122