Kobie Partners with St. Pete Free Clinic for 15 Years, Recently Helping to Raise $900,000

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - April 15, 2022 - PRLog -- For some, access to necessities like food and healthcare are readily available. For others, the St. Pete Free Clinic has offered life-changing services for more than 50 years, through a mission to serve people and feed compassion. With more than 20.4M pounds of food distributed in 2021 alone, it is clear how critical these efforts remain.

Kobie, a global loyalty marketing company, has a unique connection to the SPFC dating back 15 years. "Community nutrition is one of my passions," says Kobie Co-Founder, Bonnie Hechtkopf. "Food security and healthcare should be available and affordable to all, which is why Kobie has partnered with SPFC to better serve our community." With a master's degree in nutrition and public health, Hechtkopf is a former registered, licensed dietitian and long-time supporter of SPFC. In 2016, she was the lead donor for the purchase and renovation of a 14,000- square-foot warehouse in honor of her late husband, now a hub for food collection and distribution for approximately 65 partner organizations throughout Pinellas County.

The SPFC mission is woven into Kobie's culture, with the company hosting its own fundraising efforts, food collection stations, and serving as the recent lead Inspirator Sponsor alongside Raymond James at the annual "Battle of the Minds Gala".

The event aimed to help fund further SPFC efforts, such as expanding the Jared S. Hechtkopf food bank to include a FRESH pantry drive-through, adding a second drive-through location, and a new healthcare facility in a high-need area of St. Pete.

Hundreds of generous community members gathered to bid on auction items, offer donations, and play a little trivia, resulting in roughly $900,000 raised.

While the Kobie team didn't win trivia, the proud sponsorship of and unique connection to SPFC's mission made for a memorable evening. During the pandemic, Kobie raised more than $200,000 to support the SPFC.

Jennifer Yeagley, SPFC CEO shares, "Bonnie Hechtkopf's support of SPFC over the years has allowed us to become Pinellas County's largest food bank, distributing more than 20 million pounds of food per year. Because of her, and the contributions of Kobie, SPFC was able to respond to overwhelming need during the pandemic and continues its responsiveness today."

To learn more about the St. Pete Free Clinic and how you can help support, visit: https://stpetersburgfreeclinic.org/