Community Cooperative hires Grisel Brewster as director of development

Grisel Brewster has joined Community Cooperative, taking the role of development director. Brewster most recently served as Senior Director of Operations for IMAG History and Science Center, a neighboring nonprofit organization located in Fort Myers.

Brewster not only brings nonprofit operational experience to Community Cooperative, she also has over 15 years of event planning experience to offer the organization.

“Being raised in the event business and then later working for Harborside Event Center, I have had the opportunity of helping countless local organizations plan their large fundraisers,” Brewster said. “I would say that the mission-driven events have always been my favorite to organize, and now I have the opportunity to merge my two passions and serve, in my opinion, one of the most important organizations in Southwest Florida. I also look forward to developing donor relationships and finding new ways of getting my fellow Latin-American community members more engaged and involved in the Community Cooperative mission.”

Although she graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with her bachelor’s degree in legal studies with the intent of pursuing a law degree, Brewster said she found herself continually gravitating back into event management.

One of her first big events for Community Cooperative will be the 19th Annual Soup Kitchen Benefit on March 10. Each year, local restaurants serve more than 700 guests at the benefit, which is held in the service garages of Sam Galloway Ford in Fort Myers. Last year, a record number of attendees raised a record $1.22 million for vital programs, including Meals on Wheels, Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen, mobile food pantries and social service programs.

To donate or to volunteer, visit communitycooperative.com or call 239-332-7687.

About Community Cooperative
For 37 years, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County 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 stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens 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. For more resources and information on how to get involved, contact Tami Holliday at Tami@communitycooperative.com or call (239) 332-7687. Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made directly at www.CommunityCooperative.com, or mailed to: Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902.