As TCU alumni and skilled pediatricians, Wendy and Ric Bonnell are dreamers and doers. Their commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy led them to establish
a fund at the North Texas Community Foundation to provide healthcare for their neighbors in need.
In 2009, the Bonnells’ desire to improve access to quality healthcare for uninsured families in Hood County inspired them to help launch Ruth’s Place, a free medical clinic. Originally based in a singlewide trailer, the organization now occupies a permanent building in Granbury, thanks to the generous support of individual donors and corporations.
At Ruth’s Place, Wendy and Ric are part of a team of volunteer doctors and nurses who provide a holistic approach to rural healthcare, including dental services. The next phase of development will add a full-time nurse practitioner – and North Texas Community Foundation fundholders are joining the cause to help make it happen.
The organization operates a weekly food pantry in collaboration with Granbury First United Methodist Church, offers monthly free diagnostic auto clinics, and hosts ESL and Life Skills classes. Without Ruth’s Place, many residents wouldn’t have access to these life- changing services.
The Bonnells are incredible examples of Teddy Roosevelt’s entreaty to “do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Together, they’re strengthening the wellbeing of their hometown by doing the work they love most.
