FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- Community Cooperative is hosting its 23^rd annual Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit on Thursday, March 5 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Each year, local restaurants prepare and serve a southern-style dinner to several hundred guests at the annual event held in the service garages of Sam Galloway Ford in Fort Myers. About 150 volunteers, along with 20 area restaurants, help contribute to the event's success with over 750 attendees and supports its mission of ending hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida.

The Galloway family remains deeply committed to Community Cooperative's mission and this fundraising event each year, which has long reflected Sam Galloway, Jr.'s passion for ensuring no one goes hungry in his community.

All funds raised during the event will go back to the community through Community Cooperative's impactful programs, including Meals on Wheels of Southwest Florida, Sam's Community Cafe & Kitchen, Community Market, Mobile Food Pantries, Social Services & Educational Resource Centers and Growing Healthy Kids & Families Program.

"This event reflects the very best of our community and its incredible generosity," said Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. "The funds we raise at this event allow us to show up every day for our neighbors—delivering meals, expanding access to emergency food and offering hope and real change to people facing incredibly difficult circumstances. When our community comes together, real and lasting impact happens, making Southwest Florida a better place for us all."

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Community Cooperative is a trusted nonprofit serving Southwest Florida through a comprehensive approach to addressing hunger and homelessness. Through emergency food outreach, meal delivery to the elderly and supportive services, the organization works to meet immediate needs while helping neighbors move toward stability. As economic pressures continue to impact children, families and individuals across the region, Community Cooperative remains focused on ensuring help is accessible, compassionate, and responsive.

Individual tickets cost $250. There are also two table sponsorship levels available, including Soup Spoon Table Sponsorship for 8 people for $2,500 and Soup Bowl Table Sponsorship for 10 people for $5,000. The event will take place at Sam Galloway Ford, located at 1800 Boy Scout Drive in Fort Myers.

To purchase a ticket or reserve a table for the event, visit CommunityCooperative.com.