- December 13, 2025
Dave Hause, Ed Samuels, Terri Belletto, Bruce Gough. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki
Terri Belletto, Laurie Harrison, Maria Thomas and Mary Darlington. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki
Rosario Alfonso, Mardy Donasco, Maya Tan, Phyllis VanReeth, Mary Darlington, Larice Tan. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki
Danielle Clymer, Robert Daren, Dr. Patricia Biert-Daren and Marcelle Miller. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki
AJ Belletto, Dr. Richard and Maria Smith. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki
Dr. Mark Kennedy and Sharon Atack. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki
Alan Campbell, morning anchor for Orlando’s WESH 2 News. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki
Aasi Bharucha. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki
The Flagler Free Clinic, which provides free health care to uninsured residents of Flagler and Volusia counties, has received a $400,000 bequest from the estate of Mr. Florence, representing 30% of his estate. The announcement was made Saturday, Nov. 15, as the clinic hosted its 20th anniversary "Evening of Gratitude," at Grand Haven Clubhouse in Palm Coast.
The gift will serve as seed money toward a future permanent home for the clinic and will help launch its capital campaign. The organization currently pays approximately $50,000 per year in rent, at 700 E. Moody Blvd., in Bunnell.
During the program, longtime volunteer Janet Powell was recognized for beginning her service with the clinic 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.
The clinic also honored front desk volunteer Margaret Chodosh and Dr. Lance Chodosh, who received the 2025 Canakaris-Coleman Dedication to Volunteerism Award. The award 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, patient services director for the past eight years, was recognized. 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.
Dr. Don Alfonso was honored for being the clinic’s first volunteer provider. He served patients for 20 years before retiring from his volunteer role last year.
Maria Thomas, the clinic’s social worker, was thanked for three years of service.
The clinic’s newest administrative assistant, Mary Darlington, was also recognized.
AdventHealth was thanked for providing unlimited imaging services to Flagler County Free 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.
In a separate luncheon recently, Dr. Manuel Frankel, DDS, and his wife and assistant, Paula Frankel, were presented with the Canakaris-Coleman Volunteer of the Year Award.
“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.”
The luncheon also celebrated high school volunteer Aasi Bharucha. 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.
“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 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 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.
Another event held in celebration of the 20-year anniversary was a charity golf tournament on Nov. 3 at Ocean Hammock Golf Course, which raised $50,000 to support clinic operations. The tournament and the post-event luncheon were planned by longtime clinic supporters Dr. Shinoo Wainganker, an orthopedic volunteer at the clinic for 11years, along with Frank Petruno and Tony Trembley.
The Evening of Gratitude also included a special moment of recognition for donor and board member Mr. Jack Leckie.
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.
“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 Flagler Free Clinic has provided free medical care, medications and support services to uninsured adults in Flagler County, relying on donations, grants and volunteer support rather than patient fees. The clinic’s board and staff said continued community support will be essential as they look ahead to the next 20 years of service.
