Getting to Know Our M+M Committee: Meet Bob & Laura Bentz

Behind every great event are the dedicated volunteers who bring it to life. For Martinis & Matisse, husband-and-wife team Bob and Laura Bentz are two of those people. Since 2017, they’ve poured their energy, talents, and big hearts into helping the Clearwater Free Clinic host one of the most anticipated events of the year. Bob helps with Art and Logistics, while Laura Co-Chairs Volunteers.

How It All Began

Laura first got involved when she volunteered to sell raffle tickets through the GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club. “A friend of mine came up to me and said, you need to be on the M&M Committee,” she recalls. After a tour of the clinic’s old building, both she and Bob knew they wanted to say yes.

For Bob, it was a chance to put his skills to work: “I saw an opportunity to give back to the community through my talents.”

Behind the Scenes

As Volunteer Co-Chair, Laura organizes and supports many of the event's moving parts, while Bob focuses on logistics, props, and the all-important setup and takedown.

When asked about their favorite part of planning, both point to the people. Laura loves “meeting wonderful people that share their talents to make this event possible,” while Bob enjoys “working together with a great team of people who care about supporting the CFC.”

Planning an event of this size isn’t simple—it takes hundreds of volunteer hours and countless hands to make it happen. “Some people may be surprised to learn how many people and hours it takes to make this event special,” Laura explains.

Memorable Moments

For Laura, some of the most meaningful moments have come outside of the event. She remembers running into someone she knew in the clinic’s waiting room who needed care but couldn’t afford it. “I realized that everyone could need this service at some time in our lives,” she says. She’s also been inspired by the number of physicians who volunteer their time to provide quality healthcare.

Looking Ahead to This Year’s Event

Both Bob and Laura are especially excited to see this year’s signature art piece, always a highlight of the evening. Laura adds that she looks forward to the entertainment and the delicious creations local restaurants bring to the event each year.

Why It Matters

Martinis & Matisse is about more than art, food, and fun—it’s about raising critical funds to support the Clearwater Free Clinic’s mission of providing free, quality healthcare to those who need it most.

As Laura puts it: “I am proud to be a small part of a bigger mission to help people in our community have access to free health care.” Bob adds, “This event is truly a place and connection to improve the needs of our community.”

In Their Words

If they had to sum up Martinis & Matisse in just a few words?

· Laura: Impactful, Fun, Exciting

· Bob: Community, Involvement, Cause

Get Involved

Laura and Bob encourage anyone interested to step up and be part of the event. “Volunteers are always needed. We appreciate that many people are willing to share their time and expertise,” Laura says. Bob adds, “Call us—there are many volunteer opportunities during the night of the event.”