Sandra Nesbit and Greg Willsey have quietly backed the Clearwater Free Clinic for more than 13 years, helping sustain no-cost primary care, medications, behavioral health services and specialty referrals for uninsured adults across Pinellas County.
The couple, who lead Clearwater-based Noble Family Wealth, served as honorary chairs of the clinic's signature fundraiser, Martinis + Matisse, in 2020. Their firm remained a sponsor when the 23rd annual event drew a record 100-plus sponsors to the FrankCrum campus on Jan. 24, 2026.
"What attracted Sandra and me was seeing work being done locally — not directed by the state or Washington, D.C., but right here in our own community," Willsey said in a clinic profile published Aug. 12.
That locally driven model has stretched donor dollars. For every $1 contributed, the clinic says it delivers more than $5.50 in health care services through volunteerism and community partnerships. In the past year, volunteer hours were valued at $1.5 million, and donated clinical services — including radiology, labs and specialized procedures — totaled $3.75 million, according to the clinic.
The need is growing.
The clinic reported a 140% surge in new patient enrollment over several months in 2025, the largest increase in its history. Nearly one in five Pinellas County residents lacks health insurance, according to the clinic.
A clinic born in a rental house
Founded in 1977 in a small rental house on Rogers Street that opened one night per week, the Clearwater Free Clinic now operates from its Court Street facility and serves thousands of patients each year. A new chapter is approaching: The Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center received its temporary certificate of occupancy in June, with a ribbon-cutting celebration set for Oct. 8. About $500,000 remains to complete the Keep Them Well campaign funding the expansion.
Nesbit, a certified divorce financial analyst who serves as CEO and managing partner of Noble Family Wealth, and Willsey, a certified financial planner and senior adviser at the firm, were introduced to the clinic by a community member who understood its mission firsthand. The firm manages approximately $527 million in regulatory assets.
Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector attended the January fundraiser and noted the event's reach on X the following morning:
"Awesome time last night at the 23rd annual 'Martinis and Matisse' art fundraiser at @FrankCrumPEO for the @ClwFreeClinic which has provided health care to low-income uninsured residents since 1977. Loved meeting and admiring the impressive work of 120 different artists."
The event dates to January 2004, when co-founder Jeannie Shapiro organized the first Martinis + Matisse at the Dunedin Fine Art Center with 36 donated artworks and about 125 guests. In a November 2025 clinic profile, Shapiro said she wanted to create "a community event that was vibrant, fun, and centered around art and connection."
Upcoming
Oct. 8 — Ribbon-cutting celebration for the Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center at Clearwater Free Clinic. No date has been announced for the 2027 Martinis + Matisse.
