Fighting Hunger Where It\u2019s Needed Most<\/p>\n
The funds will directly support Community Cooperative\u2019s mission to provide meals, groceries, and emergency assistance to families throughout the region. With rising food costs and increasing demand for services, the impact of this donation comes at a critical time.<\/p>\n
Janelle Olson, Director of Development for Community Cooperative, put it plainly:<\/p>\n
\u201cThis gift provides hope and dignity for families facing hardship. It ensures children, seniors, veterans, and families have access to nutritious food when they need it most. The need in Southwest Florida remains significant, and this support goes a long way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community Cooperative operates several vital programs, including food pantries, mobile food distributions, and hot meal services \u2014 resources that thousands of local residents rely on each year.<\/p>\n
A Celebration with Community at Its Heart<\/p>\n
The 40th anniversary event brought together customers, community partners, and former employees to celebrate the restaurant\u2019s legacy. Guests signed a \u201cThank You Wall,\u201d sharing messages of appreciation and memories spanning generations.<\/p>\n
Adding to the excitement, several 2026 Hooters Calendar Girls participated in the presentation \u2014 including cover model Selena Sanchez, Emily Hagedorn (Miss April), Gracie Williams (Miss July), Ashley Reyes, Kayla Calhoun, and Kiana Mahabir. It\u2019s the kind of community-focused event the Calendar Girls have become known for \u2014 earlier this year they traveled to Bimini to deliver school supplies to local students<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hooters Girl alumni also returned for the celebration, reinforcing the strong sense of family and tradition that has defined the Fort Myers location since it opened in 1986.<\/p>\n Decades of Local Impact<\/p>\n Over the years, Hooters Fort Myers has partnered with numerous respected organizations throughout the region. The Fort Myers team has a particular history of showing up for local health and hunger causes \u2014 from delivering books to the Lee Regional Cancer Center lending library<\/a> to supporting youth programs across Lee County.<\/p>\n Their full roster of community partners includes:<\/p>\n Valerie\u2019s House Kristi Quarles, Director of Marketing for Hooters of South Florida, summed it up:<\/p>\n \u201cGiving back is part of who we are. We\u2019re proud to support Community Cooperative and make a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger.\u201d<\/p>\n A Legacy That Continues<\/p>\n Owned and operated by Hooters of South Florida, which runs 15 locations across the region, Hooters Fort Myers continues to evolve while staying true to its roots \u2014 serving great food, creating memorable experiences, and supporting the communities it calls home.<\/p>\n As Southwest Florida continues to grow, so does the need for community-driven support. With this significant donation, Hooters Fort Myers proves that local businesses can play a powerful role in shaping a stronger, more compassionate future.<\/p>\n![\"Hooters](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ftmyers2.jpg\")
Hooters Fort Myers 40th Anniversary \u2014 $100,000 presented to Community Cooperative<\/p>\n
\nGolisano Children\u2019s Hospital
\nLee Health Cancer Center
\nHarry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
\nPaws Crossed
\nCommunity Cooperative
\nLocal schools and youth programs<\/p>\n