Meeks, Magic, and Margaritas: Recapping the 24th Annual John H. Meek Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament
Anthony Degina, Lauren, Trace, Patti and Johnny Meek.
What an unforgettable celebration! The Clearwater Free Clinic’s 24th Annual John H. Meek, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament was a tremendous success, raising over $111,000 to support free healthcare for uninsured families in our community. We are deeply grateful to all who participated, sponsored, donated, and volunteered to make this two-day event one to remember.
The festivities began with our Pre-Golf Tournament PAR-Tee, graciously sponsored by the Meek Family, on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Tap Haus and Top Nosh on Cleveland Street. Guests enjoyed an evening of fun and flavor—sampling from 32 beers and 19 wines on tap, savoring light bites, and testing their swings at the Topgolf Bay simulators. The afternoon was elevated by the astonishing talents of magician Pete Bell, who wowed the crowd with personalized card tricks, holograms, and a custom photo banner featuring past tournament attendees. A heartfelt highlight of the evening was hearing moving testimonials from two of our patients, reminding us of this fundraiser's impact.
The excitement continued on Monday, May 5—Cinco de Mayo—at the beautiful Innisbrook Copperhead Course. Golfers were welcomed with big smiles and refreshing margaritas served by our former CEO Jeannie Shapiro and current CEO Tony Degina, thanks to our Margarita Sponsor, Single Source Insurance.
Before tee-off, anticipation was sky-high—literally—during the Golf Ball Drop, sponsored by AdventHealth North Pinellas. AdventHealth CEO Andrew Santos joined the helicopter Pilot from Vertical Flight, released the balls over the driving range, and congratulations go to Nancy Randolph of Seminole, our lucky $2,000 winner!
Throughout the day, players enjoyed:
· A Qtego online auction featuring 13 exciting items
· Cuban sandwiches from Belleair Market for lunch
· Swag-filled goody bags sponsored by Noble Family Wealth, including bladeless fans and healthy essentials from the Clearwater Free Clinic
· Golf carts and scorecards sponsored by Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Largo
· A fun Wine Putting Contest sponsored by WestCMR
· On-course games including Coin Flip, Longest Drive (Men’s and Women’s) and Closest to the Pin
Special congratulations to our winning teams:
· First Place – Carr, Riggs & Ingram
· Runner-Up – Dr. Webb McCanse
Awards were generously sponsored by Phil LaFreniere of Raymond James.
Golfers also received a professional swing analysis at the Trackman tent, sponsored by The Abelson Group at Morgan Stanley and run by Dialed In Golf Solutions. Along the course, players mingled with our dedicated Fairway Sponsors: Jack Joyner Heating and Air Conditioning The Abelson Group at Morgan Stanley Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Largo
After a day on the greens, players refueled with pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw from Shane Cooks Food, and delicious wings, donated by Hooters, followed by homemade brownies baked with love by Jeannie Shapiro.
This event was a true celebration of community, generosity, and care. Additional thanks go to our Eagle, Birdie, Tee and In Kind sponsors. Because of your generosity, the Clearwater Free Clinic can continue delivering life-changing healthcare to those in need.
We can't wait to see you at next year’s tournament!
The fun continues this summer with our family-friendly bowl-a-thon, Pins for Patients on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, click here.
