“Addressing the Gap.” Why Tom Hooten Said Yes

For Tom Hooten, joining the John H. Meek Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament Committee wasn’t about adding another commitment—it was about answering a need he sees growing every day.

“This is my top focus right now,” Tom Hooten says. “Because it matters.”

“I’ve been involved in fundraising for a long time,” Tom shares. “But what drew me here is simple—this addresses the gap.”

That gap, he explains, is one too many families know all too well: access to affordable healthcare. After years as a business owner responsible for employees and benefits, Tom has seen firsthand how difficult—and often impossible—health insurance can be for individuals and small businesses alike.

“There are people working hard every day who still can’t afford care,” he says. “And that gap is only getting wider.”

A Personal Connection

Tom’s involvement began through longtime friend and fellow committee member Pattie Meek. Like many in the community, he was inspired by her relentless commitment to helping others—and by the legacy of her late husband, John.

“I loved John,” Tom says. “He was relentless in the best way. When he believed in something, he went all in.”

That same invitation extended to Tom’s wife, Diane, who was also happily pulled into the effort. Together, the two have quickly become a wonderful part of the committee, bringing both heart and energy to the work. “Diane is just as fantastic,” Tom says with a smile.

That same spirit is what Tom sees reflected in the Clearwater Free Clinic. “This place is about doing things for the right reasons,” he says. “It’s about people who genuinely care.”

Why It Matters Now

For Tom, the Clinic represents something larger than a single organization—it’s a model for the future. “The reality is, more and more people are going to fall into that gap,” he explains. “And what the Clinic is doing—especially around wellness and prevention—that’s where healthcare needs to go.” He points to the Clinic’s growing focus on education and whole-person care as a critical differentiator. “Teaching people how to take care of themselves—that’s powerful. That’s something you don’t see enough of.”

A Commitment to Impact

Though new to the committee, Tom is clear about his priorities.

“This is my top focus right now,” he says. “Because it matters.”

From supporting the Golf Tournament to helping expand awareness of the Clinic’s mission, his goal is straightforward: help ensure more people have access to the care they need. “At the end of the day,” he adds, “this is about taking care of people. And that’s something worth showing up for.”