A New Space, New Possibilities: Celebrating the Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center
Celebrating the ribbon cutting of the Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center on October 8, 2026.
Close to 200 friends, supporters, volunteers, and community partners joined Clearwater Free Clinic on October 8 to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this vision to life—and who came to celebrate what it means for our patients and community.
A new chapter in whole-person care
Guests explored our Demonstration Kitchen, physical and occupational therapy room, BayCare Community Food Clinic, behavioral health and case management spaces, and the Jeannie Shapiro Community Room. Each space represents new possibilities for helping patients improve their health and well-being.
From a colorful mosaic to meal ideas made with groceries from our Community Food Clinic, displays throughout the Wellness Center helped guests see how creativity, nutrition, and connection support whole-person care.
Since 1977, Clearwater Free Clinic has brought volunteers and community partners together to provide healthcare to uninsured adults in Pinellas County. The Wellness Center builds on that foundation, connecting medical care with nutrition, movement, emotional well-being, and community support.
Celebrating together in the new Demonstration Kitchen.
A celebration made possible by you
During the program, CEO Tony Degina, Tim Mariani of the Ruth & J O Stone Foundation, Board Chair Carole Matyas, and Clinical Services Director Dawn shared the purpose behind these spaces. A special thank-you to Dawn for stepping in to tell Daniela’s story, bringing the evening’s focus back to the people whose lives are changed through compassionate care.
We are deeply grateful to the Ruth & J O Stone Foundation and every donor who helped make the Wellness Center possible. We also recognize former CEO Jeannie Shapiro for her leadership and the lasting contributions honored through the community room that bears her name.
Thank you to Mayor Bruce Rector and George Cretekos for joining the celebration and sharing such thoughtful words about Clearwater Free Clinic. Their support—and the enthusiasm of everyone who attended—reflects the community commitment that makes our work possible.
To our Board, staff, volunteer providers, and volunteers: thank you for everything you did to prepare, welcome guests, and make our campus shine. We appreciate Amplify Clearwater for helping us mark this milestone, Gulfside Healthcare Services for providing complimentary valet, Chef Walt for the evening’s food, and the NOVA volunteers for helping guests find their way.
Looking ahead
The ribbon cutting was a celebration of what we have accomplished together and the care still to come. As services and partnerships continue to grow, these spaces will create more opportunities for our patients to improve their health and well-being.
Thank you for helping open doors to better health, meaningful connections, and new possibilities.
Guests explored the Wellness Center and learned about its services.
Creativity and connection on display during the celebration. Thanks to SHAM-C.
Healthy meal ideas prepared with groceries from our Community Food Clinic.