10 Years Honoring John H. Meek, Jr.
A Legacy of Leadership, Humor, and Community Impact
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the John H. Meek Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, one of the Clearwater Free Clinic’s most meaningful community traditions.
While the tournament itself has supported the Clinic for more than two decades, it has proudly carried John’s name for the past ten years — honoring a man whose leadership, humor, and deep commitment to the community helped shape the Clinic during an important chapter in its history.
John H. Meek, Jr. was a longtime supporter, board member, and board chair of the Clearwater Free Clinic. Known for being quick with a joke and equally quick to step in when something needed to get done, John was a steady presence in the organization and a passionate advocate for expanding access to care in our community.
After John’s passing, former CEO Jeannie Shapiro approached Pattie Meek with the idea of renaming the Clinic’s annual golf tournament in his honor.
“My involvement really began ten years ago after John passed away,” Pattie said. “Jeannie asked if the golf tournament could be held in John’s honor. It’s hard to believe it’s already been ten years.”
Getting Things Done for the Clinic
John’s commitment to the Clearwater Free Clinic reflected his deep connection to the community and his belief that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. But behind many of the efforts that helped the Clinic grow was also Pattie. During the housing crisis in 2008 and 2009, several small homes surrounding the original clinic property entered foreclosure. Pattie helped facilitate the effort to acquire those properties, working alongside community partners to secure the homes and create space for the Clinic to expand. “It took some time and you really had to understand the foreclosure process,” Pattie said. “But we were able to help the Clinic secure those properties so it could continue to grow.”
Together, John and Pattie became known for something simple but powerful — they got things done for the Clinic.
More Than a Day on the Course
While the golf tournament has grown into one of the Clinic’s most anticipated annual events, Pattie believes its greatest value goes far beyond the day on the course. “The biggest thing that changed for me was awareness,” she said. “Before getting involved, I had misconceptions about the patients who come to the Clinic and why they need it.” Learning more about the challenges uninsured residents face opened her eyes to just how essential the Clinic is in the community.
“It’s more than a golf game,” she said. “It’s providing very real care for people in our community who need it.”
That perspective inspired a new focus for this year’s tournament messaging. “Most charity events talk about what sponsors receive,” Pattie explained. “But what’s often missing is the ‘why.’” This year’s tournament materials place a greater emphasis on that “why,” helping supporters understand exactly how their sponsorships and participation help provide care for uninsured residents in Pinellas.
“It’s more than a golf game,” she said. “It’s providing very real care for people in our community who need it.”
A Family Tradition of Giving
The tournament has always been rooted in community, and this year it continues to be a true family effort. John’s brother Dan Meek, along with John and Pattie’s children Trace and Missy, are all serving on the tournament committee and playing an active role in helping organize this year’s events. For Pattie, seeing the next generation involved is especially meaningful. “It’s about continuing the tradition of helping others and supporting the Clinic,” she said.
Expanding the Tradition
As the Clearwater Free Clinic continues to grow — including the development of the new Wellness Center — the tournament is also evolving to welcome new supporters. One example is the Topgolf event held the day before the tournament, which offers families and community members another way to participate. “It’s a fun afternoon and a different way for people to support the Clinic,” Pattie said. “It also helps introduce new people to the mission.” For Pattie, awareness remains the most important outcome. “When people understand what the Clinic does, they want to help.”
A Community to Be Proud Of
One thing that continues to inspire Pattie is the number of volunteers who make the Clearwater Free Clinic possible. “I’m constantly amazed at the volunteers,” she said. “Doctors, staff, people working in the office — so many people are passionate about helping.” That generosity reflects the spirit of the community the Clinic serves. “It’s something Clearwater can really be proud of.”
Looking Ahead
As the Clinic celebrates ten years of the John H. Meek Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, Pattie hopes the event will continue to grow — not only as a fundraiser, but as a way to bring greater awareness to the Clinic’s mission. “When people understand why they’re giving,” she said, “they want to be part of it.”
Community members should be on the lookout for this year’s sponsor packet, which outlines opportunities to support the Clinic while helping expand access to care for uninsured neighbors in Pinellas County. Supporters are also invited to join the festivities during tournament weekend:
Topgolf Event
May 17
John H. Meek Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament
Innisbrook Resort – Copperhead Course
May 18
Together, these events celebrate the spirit of community that has sustained the Clearwater Free Clinic for decades — and the legacy of John Meek that continues to inspire it today.