Celebrating 20 Years of Compassionate Care: Flagler Free Clinic's Evening of Gratitude
Marking 20 Years of Service with Volunteer Appreciation Event, Golf Tournament Fundraiser, and Evening of Gratitude
The Flagler Free Clinic celebrated a remarkable milestone on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, celebrating 20 years of service to the community with an "Evening of Gratitude" at Grand Haven Golf Clubhouse in Palm Coast. Community leaders, healthcare partners, volunteers, donors and friends came together to honor two decades of providing free, quality healthcare to uninsured residents of Flagler and Volusia counties.
What began as a small volunteer effort has grown into a vital community health resource serving thousands of neighbors in need. The evening was filled with dinner, entertainment and heartfelt reflections on the clinic's journey and impact.
A Night to Remember
Alan Campbell, morning anchor for Orlando's WESH 2 News, served as emcee for the evening, guiding the program and highlighting the profound impact of the clinic's mission: "For People. Not for Profit." His warmth and professionalism set the perfect tone for an evening dedicated to gratitude and celebration.
Honoring Our Volunteer Heroes
The heart of the Flagler Free Clinic has always been its volunteers, and the Evening of Gratitude provided the perfect opportunity to recognize those who have given so generously of their time and talents.
Janet Powell was celebrated for beginning her service with the clinic back in 2005. Known for her kindness and steady presence, Powell is now retired but continues to recruit new volunteers and advocate for the clinic's mission—a true testament to her dedication.
Front desk volunteer Margaret Chodosh and Dr. Lance Chodosh received the prestigious 2025 Canakaris-Coleman Dedication to Volunteerism Award. This special honor is named for the clinic's founders: Dr. John Canakaris, Flagler County's first physician in the late 1940s, and Faith Coleman, ARNP.
Rosario Aseniero Alfonso, the clinic's patient services director for the past eight years, was recognized for her outstanding service. Colleagues noted that she knows nearly every patient by name and is often the first friendly face new patients meet as she helps them complete applications and navigate services. Her compassion and dedication embody the spirit of the clinic.
Dr. Don Alfonso was honored as the clinic's first volunteer provider, serving patients faithfully for 20 years before retiring from his volunteer role last year. His two decades of commitment laid the foundation for the quality care the clinic continues to provide today.
Maria Thomas, the clinic's social worker for three years, was thanked for helping patients access a full spectrum of support, including mental health referrals, food assistance, housing resources and other critical social services. Her work extends the clinic's impact far beyond medical care.
The clinic also welcomed and recognized Mary Darlington, its newest administrative assistant, along with the entire board of directors for their leadership and governance.
Celebrating Our Community Partners
The Flagler Free Clinic doesn't operate in isolation—it thrives because of strong community partnerships. Several key partners were acknowledged during the evening.
AdventHealth was thanked for providing unlimited imaging services to clinic patients, expanding access to diagnostic care that many could not otherwise afford. Flagler County Human Services was recognized for collaborating with the clinic to connect patients with a full suite of additional services and resources.
Community supporters including Marketing 2 Go, the Palm Coast Observer, Vann Data, A Cali Collective Project, and musicians AJ Belletto and Carlos Diaz, who perform at many clinic events, were also acknowledged for their ongoing support.
A Transformational Gift
In a significant announcement that brought the room to its feet, the clinic shared that it recently received a $400,000 bequest from the estate of Mr. Florence, representing 30% of his estate. This extraordinary gift will serve as seed money toward a future permanent home for the clinic and will help launch its capital campaign.
Currently, the organization pays approximately $50,000 per year in rent. A permanent home would not only provide financial stability but also allow the clinic to expand its services and better serve the community for decades to come.
More Volunteers, More Recognition
In addition to the Evening of Gratitude, the clinic recently hosted a volunteer appreciation luncheon where additional dedicated volunteers were honored. Dr. Manuel Frankel, DDS, and his wife and assistant, Paula Frankel, were presented with the Canakaris-Coleman Volunteer of the Year Award.
High school volunteer Aasi Bharucha received special recognition for her outstanding commitment. Over the past two years, Bharucha has volunteered every weekend and dedicated her entire summer to serving patients at the clinic before returning to school—an inspiring example of youth service.
Volunteers across all service levels were recognized with commemorative pins. Twenty-year veterans Dr. Jane Walter, Dr. Mark Kennedy and RN Hazel Deveaux lead the clinic's most seasoned volunteers, joined by 18-year volunteer Dr. Ruben Sierra and 16-year volunteer Pat Prill.
Long-term volunteers with 10 or more years of service include AJ Belletto (11 years), Dr. Chiamaka Iheme, Dr. Martin Pourkesali, APRN Adrienne Murbarak and RN Sue Osmond (all 10 years). New volunteers welcomed in 2025 include Dr. Alexa Stylianakis, Dr. Vijay Jain, Britta Hoffman, Julie Coolidge and Meghan Klumpp.
Tee Time for a Good Cause
Another highlight of the 20-year anniversary celebration was a charity golf tournament held on Nov. 3 at Ocean Hammock Golf Course, which raised an impressive $50,000 to support clinic operations. The tournament and post-event luncheon were planned by longtime clinic supporters Dr. Shinoo Wainganker, an orthopedic volunteer at the clinic for eleven years, along with Frank Petruno and Tony Trembley.
A Special Tribute to Jack Leckie
The Evening of Gratitude included a particularly touching moment when donor and board member Mr. Jack Leckie was honored. A close friend and golf buddy of the late Dr. John Canakaris, Jack was introduced to the mission and heart of the clinic through Dr. John and quickly became one of its most loyal supporters.
When he learned the clinic was launching its dental program, Jack made a substantial gift to purchase a brand-new dental chair, helping to open the clinic's dental services and expand care to patients who had nowhere else to turn. He deepened his commitment by joining the Board of Directors, where he continues to serve with dedication, vision and heart.
In gratitude for his friendship, leadership and unwavering belief in the mission of the Flagler County Free Clinic, Mr. Leckie was presented with a special recognition plaque, thanking him for carrying forward the spirit of Dr. John in all he does.
Looking Ahead
As the Flagler Free Clinic embarks on its third decade of service, the future looks bright. With a transformational bequest in hand, a dedicated team of volunteers, strong community partnerships and unwavering support from donors and friends, the clinic is poised to continue its mission of providing compassionate, quality healthcare to those who need it most.
For more information about the Flagler Free Clinic, to volunteer or to make a donation, visit FlaglerFreeClinic.org or call 386-437-3091.
