Holiday events net ‘five-figure’ support for Free Medical Clinic
Free Medical Clinic volunteer Eszter Chikan sold souvenirs and gave out tiaras at the New Year’s Eve Countdown. (photo:Ben Pounds )
The event was free to the public. The clinic provided refreshments, including beer and cider, while food trucks offered additional options.
Jay Storm and Fairview Union performed on stage. At midnight, an atom-shaped ball built by students from Tennessee College of Applied Technology Harriman was lowered, followed by a fireworks show early in 2026.
During the holiday season, Free Medical Clinic also operated a synthetic ice-skating rink at the Main Street Oak Ridge shopping center. The rink closed Sunday, Jan. 4.
Billy Edmonds, executive director of Free Medical Clinic, said fundraising totals for the winter events were not yet finalized as of Friday, Jan. 9, but estimated they generated “five-figure community support.”
“These events proved that our community is ready to step up as we enjoy life with one another, and FMC is honored and loves every minute of it,” Edmonds said. “Thousands of people showed up — not because they were asked to give, but because they wanted to be together as family and friends in their own community while supporting our great mission.”
He said attendees included families, seniors, volunteers, city leaders and first-time supporters united around the belief that no one in the community should go without medical care because of cost or circumstance.
Free Medical Clinic provides no-charge medical care to low-income and uninsured residents of Anderson, Roane and Morgan counties.
Edmonds said the clinic ended the year with more than 15,000 patient appointments and diagnostics, representing more than $15 million in medical-care value.
For more information, visit fmcor.org or call the Oak Ridge office at 865-483-3904.
