Wildflower Healthcare measures success through changed lives

Quarterback Tim Tebow shares message of faith, hope and love at annual fundraiser

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The 2019 Gift of Health Gala to benefit to benefit Wildflower Healthcare was sold out. But fewer than 50 guests gained entry to the meet-and-greet part of the evening with former Nease High School quarterback Tim Tebow, who gained national fame after he went on to help lead the University of Florida Gators to two national championships in three years.

The Heisman Trophy winner was warm and friendly with guests, taking the time to chat and pose for photographs before the dinner and presentation Nov. 7 at the Embassy Suites in St. Augustine.

“He’s a good representative to be our speaker,” Wildflower Executive Director Chris Mastoridis said. “The type of mission work he does mirrors what we do.”

The difference is demographics: Tebow’s foundation focuses on children and youth while Wildflower supports adults.

“Our success is measured through the lives we change,” Mastoridis said.

Wildflower Healthcare has been in St. Johns County for 24 years, and while the nonprofit is perceived as predominantly helping the homeless, Mastoridis said less than 3% of patients are homeless. Since January, the nonprofit has provided 2,235 medical and dental patient visits, held 152 community outreach screening events and facilitated six free pop-up flu vaccine shot clinics. Services are free to uninsured St. Johns County residents who are age 18 or older with household income at or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

To further support Wildflower, attendees had the opportunity to participate in the silent auction for a variety of items donated by local businesses and artisans. In addition to Gator gear, there was even a Nease helmet and jersey autographed by Tebow.

Tebow took the stage to hearty applause, shouts of “Go, Gators!” and the obligatory Gator chomp. He said he was impressed with the outpouring of support from the community and the commitment and passion of the Wildflower staff and volunteers.

“You have come together to change lives for people who really need it,” he said.

After sharing his agonizing college commitment decision, Tebow spoke about his life-changing experience on a mission trip to the Philippines as a teenager. His takeaway from that trip was the value of “helping people who can never help you back.” And he commended the audience for their willingness to help others.

“You’re here because you believe in people,” he said. “When they understand how much you care about them, it changes everything.”

He went on to explain that material possessions, trophies or championships do not give a person significance. “God gives you significance because He loves you,” he said.

“If 50 or 60 years from now I am still introduced as a Heisman Trophy winner, I have failed,” Tebow said. “It’s about loving people.”