IBTTA Foundation Mobilizes Record Breaking Volunteer Group In Community Cooperative's 40 Year History

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2024

IBTTA Foundation Mobilizes Record-Breaking Volunteer Group In Community Cooperative's 40-Year History
Partnership with Community Cooperative Helps Strengthen South Florida After Hurricanes

Washington, D.C. - The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the global association for toll facility owners, operators, and their supporting businesses, proudly announces that this year's Foundation service project was one of the largest in the history of its service partner, Community Cooperative. This southwest Florida humanitarian organization was joined by 110 volunteers from IBTTA's Maintenance, Engineering and Roadway Operations Workshop, who participated in projects to support the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian, which devastated Florida communities and infrastructure in September 2022.

Community Cooperative's mission is to eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida while supporting sustained positive change in its clients through food, education, and social service programs. The IBTTA Foundation service project volunteers improved the Community Cooperative campus, created efficient workspaces, and delivered storm-ready resources and meals to over 400 Meals on Wheels clients to enhance preparedness for future weather events, including the most recent impacts of Hurricane Debby.

"I am deeply touched by the incredible turnout and the impact our toll industry volunteers have made, with nearly half our conference attendees helping to strengthen Southwest Florida after Hurricane Ian," said Bill Halkias, President of IBTTA and a participant in the event. "This project exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and service that defines IBTTA and the IBTTA Foundation. Enhancing infrastructure and community resilience is core to our mission, and I am proud to be part of an effort that truly changes lives."

Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, leading to severe flooding, power outages, and significant economic losses in Florida. The storm displaced approximately 40,000 residents and disrupted transportation networks, underscoring the need for extensive recovery efforts and greater resilience against future storms as recent as Hurricane Debby that made landfall in Florida on August 5, 2024.

"We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of the IBTTA Foundation and its volunteers. Your timing was perfect with the delivery of shelf-stable food and emergency radios. When Hurricane Debby disrupted our recent meal delivery, we were comforted knowing IBTTA had provided our clients with additional resources," said Janelle Olson, Community Engagement Director. "This partnership truly exemplifies the power of community collaboration in building resilience, with an impact that will resonate for years as we continue our mission to eliminate hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida."

Key accomplishments of the service project include:

• Delivery of Storm-Ready Resources and Meals: Over 400 Meals on Wheels clients received deliveries of shelf-stable food and emergency radios, enhancing their preparedness for emergencies.

• Campus Improvements: Volunteers improved the appearance of the main entry with the addition of plants and stone, which are both aesthetically pleasing and effective in protecting the soil from erosion.

• Efficient Workspace Creation: In the back of the house, teams carried 11 pallets of food and reorganized structures to create more efficient workspaces for staff.

• Financial Contribution to Tilt Skillet: Sponsors donated funds towards the purchase of a tilt skillet, a vital piece of commercial kitchen equipment to enable the preparation of large quantities of food for community members.

The service project was supported by nine generous IBTTA member sponsors and significant financial contributions from the IBTTA Foundation - the philanthropic arm of the association dedicated to advancing the tolling and transportation industries through research, education, and professional development. The IBTTA Foundation has organized annual service projects since 2008, following Hurricane Katrina, to leverage the collective strength of IBTTA's volunteer members in giving back and strengthening the communities that host association meetings.

IBTTA extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers and sponsors for their commitment and generosity. Their efforts have made a lasting impact on the Ft. Myers community and strengthened the mission of Community Cooperative. View the 2024 Foundation service project at https://www.ibtta.org/photo-library/2024-ibtta-foundation-service-project.

About IBTTA

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them. Founded in 1932, IBTTA has members in more than 20 countries on six continents. Through advocacy, thought leadership, and education, members are implementing state-of-the-art, innovative user-based transportation financing solutions to address the critical infrastructure challenges of the 21st century. For more information, visit www.ibtta.org.

About Community Cooperative

Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida 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 information, visit www.communitycooperative.com(link is external).

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