United Partner agency Community Cooperative receives donation from FineMark to aid hurricane response

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2023) – FineMark National Bank & Trust donated $100,000 to United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades partner agency Community Cooperative to help the nonprofit continue meeting the needs of Southwest Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian.

The generous donation, presented Dec. 14 at FineMark’s headquarters in Fort Myers, will help the nonprofit provide shelter, food, clothing, and services to residents needing assistance.

In addition to their financial gift, FineMark has been actively working alongside the organizations, most recently serving hundreds of holiday meals to families in need since Hurricane Ian.

From the moment the storm passed in late September, FineMark launched an internal donation drive to deliver much needed supplies to people who lost everything in the storm. Their associates spent countless hours working to remove drywall and debris from the homes of coworkers, clients, and strangers, while sharing messages of hope.

“We want you to keep the faith and believe in hope and know that we are rallying together as a community to help rebuild and help inspire each one of us to get through these really, really hard times,” said Tiffany Williams, president of FineMark’s Fort Myers market.

After the storm, United Way tapped into its wide network of partners and supporters to help residents in their times of need, providing essentials like food, water, clothing, and cleaning supplies, as well as mattresses, bedding, furniture, and financial assistance to cover housing and utilities.

“FineMark National Bank & Trust has been an absolute hero for our community over the years, and especially now with what everyone is going through after Hurricane Ian,” said Jeannine Joy, president and CEO of United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. “These dollars mean hope for our families in the long-term recovery efforts, and we cannot thank them enough for their continued support.”

Community Cooperative also has been on the front lines helping residents meet their basic needs. Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative, said FineMark’s donation will help cover needs that can fall between the cracks or replace items that insurance will not cover.

“We are so grateful to FineMark National Bank & Trust for supporting our Lee County Strong Hurricane Relief Fund,” said Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “Many people are not only displaced, but they’ve also lost jobs and, in some cases, every worldly possession. We are grateful to be able to offer some relief and long-term assistance during these trying times.”

United Way and Collaboratory continue raising money for their joint Hurricane Ian Relief Fund. To donate, please visit UnitedWayLee.org/Hurricane-Ian-Relief-Fund.
Community Cooperative has established its Lee County Strong Emergency Relief Fund. Donations can be made by visiting LeeCountyStrong.com.
Those seeking support can dial United Way’s 211 line, a free, 24-hour helpline that connects people with human and social service agencies in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties or contact Community Cooperative at 239-332-7687 or complete the Lee County Strong Hurricane Assistance application at https://communitycooperative.com/hurricane-assistance/.