Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Randy Smith?
Randy Smith was a project manager for an Atlanta based exhibit
house, IDEAS, inc. He died tragically in an automobile
accident on his way home after working long hours @ the
Super Show in January of 1995. Randy left behind a wife Jenny,
and two small children, Austin and Justin.
Two of Randy’s co workers @ IDEAS Ted Peterson and
Rich Johnson, started the RSMGC in August of 1995 in hopes of
helping the emotional and financial burden Randy’s death
caused his family.
When was the RSMGC
started?
The first event was held @ Hidden Hills Country Club in Stone
Mountain, GA in August, 1995. The event was held @
Hidden Hills the first four years (95 – 98) followed by
Berkeley Hills Country Club in Duluth GA in 99, 00, 02,
03, 05, 06, 07. Chateau élan in Braselton GA
hosted the 01, 04 events and will be the home of the RSMGC in
2008.
The first two years the event focused solely on providing
support for the Smith family. In 1997 the decision was made to
open up the event to other families who had suffered a similar
tragedy or faced true hardship. The first additional
recipient was Nicole Sheldon, daughter of long time shipping
industry veteran Chris Sheldon in Wheaton, IL. Nicole was 8
years old at the time and had recently undergone a heart and
liver transplant. She was said to be the “sickest child
ever to leave a Chicago land hospital alive” Since its
inception in 1995, the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classics and
it’s officially sanctioned ancillary events have assisted
over 70 families with financial and emotional support. A full
list of these previous recipients can be found on this
website.
Who participates and how can I
donate?
Everyone is welcome! The RSMGC blankets all segments of the
exhibition industry from exhibitors to show managers to
general contractors all down the trade show supply chain. One
of the many things the founders and the governing board
are most proud of is how they’ve been able to bring
everyone together for this day of fellowship and good will.
Many competing companies in their respective fields have
known the Randy as the day they “lay down their
swords” for the good of the overall cause. Participation
can come in many ways from the choice of golf or tennis or the
various sponsorship opportunities. We also always are in need
of any raffle items or prizes from companies respective
marketing closets’. All of these opportunities to
participate (and more!) can be found on this website.
Who chooses the annual
recipients and how can I nominate someone?
The RSMGC board of directors review and decide on who will
become the beneficiaries of the events funds. If you know of
anyone who could use our assistance, please contact Mr. Jim
Wurm, the Executive Director of presenting sponsor EACA @
jimwurm@eaca.com or by telephone @ 541 317 8768 and he will
send you the official assistance application form.
In our history we have accepted over 95% of officially received
assistance requests.
