The Joel Foundation donates $250K for victims of Ian to Community Cooperative

The Community Cooperative, which recently announced receiving $250,000 from The Joel Foundation to aid the victims of Hurricane Ian, delivered meals to Fort Myers Beach residents, shrimpers and businesses at the Key West Express parking lot Friday morning.

The organization was at 1200 Main Street in Fort Myers Beach providing meals, water and essential supplies.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician Billy Joel and his wife Alexa Joel made a $250,000 contribution to the Community Cooperative for the Lee County Strong Hurricane Ian Relief Fund, through their organization The Joel Foundation.

The relief fund is an emergency fund providing relief and long-term recovery assistance to the residents of Southwest Florida recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian. According to Community Cooperative, The Joel Foundation is focusing on relief and rebuilding efforts in southwest Florida for those impacted by the storm, for children and school programs, as well as the local maritime community.

The Lee County Strong Hurricane Ian Relief Fund was established the day Hurricane Ian made landfall by Community Cooperative, a nonprofit organization which working to alleviate hunger and homelessness.

The Lee County Strong emergency relief fund will provide displaced residents and families with food and basic needs, as well as assist hurricane victims with additional resources and long-term recovery assistance.

"We are blown away by the outpouring of support from people across the world, including Billy and Alexis Joel," said Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. "The Joel Foundation's incredible donation will go such a long way in getting our community back on its feet, our children back in school, and their families back at home. We can't thank The Joel Family and their organization enough."

According to Edwards, Community Cooperative has already purchased recess equipment for three merged schools thanks to The Joel Foundation's contribution. Fort Myers Beach Elementary and The Sanibel School are being temporarily placed inside the San Carlos Elementary School. Providing additional recess equipment ensures students a sense of normalcy while their own schools are rebuilt.

"Our family is moved to action by the catastrophic hurricane that wiped out an entire coastline in Lee County Florida," said Billy and Alexis Joel in a joint statement.

"Florida is our winter home and living through our own experience during Superstorm Sandy and the rebuilding needed in the ongoing years, our goal is to help those less fortunate. While we always put music education at the forefront of our agenda, we also help those during devastating times. We have partnered with The Lee County Community Cooperative to aid those that are suffering in the aftermath of this storm. We are grateful to them for their tireless work in the community," Billy and Alexis Joel said.

The Joel Foundation has made and pledged more than $7 million in charitable donations with a focus on music education and humanitarian aid. In addition to supporting vital global relief efforts, The Joel Foundation provides grants to organizations throughout New York City and Long Island leveraging the power of music to enhance the lives of people of every age.

In 2021, Community Cooperative provided more than 2.1 million pounds of food to those in need, assisting over 42,000 Southwest Florida residents through their vital human services programs.

Those who wish to apply for relief through the Lee County Strong emergency relief fund can do so at www.CommunityCooperative.com.

Supporters looking to donate to the Lee County Strong Emergency Relief Fund can do so at www.LeeCounty Strong.com

Those interested in becoming a volunteer for Community Cooperative can apply or learn more at www. CommunityCooperative.com/Give-Help/Volunteer, or contact via email at volunteer@communitycooperative.com.

To learn more about Community Cooperative, visit www.CommunityCooperative.com or call 239-332-SOUP (7687).