The Flagler Free Clinic marked two decades of service to the community on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, with an “Evening of Gratitude” celebration held at Grand Haven Golf Clubhouse in Palm Coast. The event brought together community leaders, healthcare partners, volunteers, donors and supporters to reflect on the organization’s growth from a small volunteer effort into a vital health resource for uninsured residents of Flagler and Volusia counties.
Alan Campbell, morning anchor for Orlando’s WESH 2 News, served as emcee for the evening, which featured dinner, entertainment and recognition of the many individuals who have contributed to the clinic’s mission of providing free, quality health care under its guiding principle, “For People. Not for Profit.”
The program honored several longtime contributors to the clinic’s work. Janet Powell was recognized for beginning her volunteer service in 2005 and continuing to recruit new volunteers even after her retirement. Front desk volunteer Margaret Chodosh and Dr. Lance Chodosh received the 2025 Canakaris-Coleman Dedication to Volunteerism Award, named for the clinic’s founders, Dr. John Canakaris and Faith Coleman, ARNP. Dr. Canakaris was Flagler County’s first physician, arriving in the late 1940s.
Rosario Aseniero Alfonso, who has served as patient services director for eight years, was recognized for her service, with colleagues noting that she knows nearly every patient by name. Dr. Don Alfonso was honored as the clinic’s first volunteer provider, having served patients for 20 years before retiring from his volunteer role last year. Social worker Maria Thomas was thanked for three years of helping patients access mental health referrals, food, housing and other support services, and administrative assistant Mary Darlington was recognized as the clinic’s newest team member. The board of directors was also acknowledged for its leadership.
Key partners received recognition as well. AdventHealth was thanked for providing unlimited imaging services to clinic patients, expanding access to diagnostic care. Flagler County Human Services was recognized for its collaboration in connecting patients with additional resources.
In a major announcement, the clinic revealed it had received a $400,000 bequest from the estate of Mr. Florence, representing 30 percent of his estate. The gift will serve as seed money toward a permanent home for the clinic and will help launch a capital campaign. The organization currently pays approximately $50,000 per year in rent.
The evening also included recognition for donor and board member Jack Leckie, a close friend of the late Dr. Canakaris. Leckie was introduced to the clinic through that friendship and became one of its most loyal supporters. When he learned the clinic was launching a dental program, he made a substantial gift to purchase a dental chair, helping to open dental services. He joined the board of directors in 2021 and was presented with a special recognition plaque.
At a separate volunteer appreciation luncheon held recently, Dr. Manuel Frankel and his wife and assistant Paula Frankel received the Canakaris-Coleman Volunteer of the Year Award for their work providing dental care. Executive Director Terri Belletto praised their contributions. “Dr. Manny and Paula Frankel exemplify the spirit of service that our founders envisioned,” Belletto said. “Their dedication to providing dental care to our patients has been transformational for our community.”
High school volunteer Aasi Bharucha also received special recognition at the luncheon. Over the past two years, she has volunteered every weekend and dedicated her entire summer to serving patients. “Aasi’s dedication is truly inspiring,” Belletto said. “Her commitment to serving others while pursuing her dream of becoming a physician shows the incredible impact young volunteers can have on their community.”
Volunteers with significant years of service were honored with commemorative pins. Twenty-year veterans include Dr. Jane Walter, Dr. Mark Kennedy and RN Hazel Deveaux. Dr. Ruben Sierra has volunteered for 18 years, and Pat Prill has served for 16 years. Those with 10 or more years of service include Belletto, Dr. Chiamaka Iheme, Dr. Martin Pourkesali, APRN Adrienne Murbarak and RN Sue Osmond. New volunteers welcomed in 2025 include Dr. Alexa Stylianakis, Dr. Vijay Jain, Britta Hoffman, Julie Coolidge and Meghan Klumpp.
A charity golf tournament held on Nov. 3 at Ocean Hammock Golf Course raised $50,000 to support clinic operations. The event was planned by Dr. Shinoo Wainganker, an orthopedic volunteer at the clinic for eleven years, along with Frank Petruno and Tony Trembley.
“For 20 years, the Flagler Free Clinic has been a safety net for those who have nowhere else to turn,” Belletto said. “This anniversary is not just about our organization — it’s about every volunteer, donor, partner and supporter who has helped keep our doors open and our services available to the community.”
Since its founding, the clinic has provided free medical care, medications and support services to uninsured adults in Flagler County, relying entirely on donations, grants and volunteer support rather than patient fees.
