Not a dry eye was left in the room after Les Bunge, CEO, Laser Exhibitor Service, shared how money raised from the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic (RSMGC) helped him and his wife during her final months. The unfortunate victim of colon cancer, Julia Bunge was one of many recipients of the annual charity golf tournament that assists industry members and their families during times of hardship.
In a touching speech, Les Bunge conveyed his gratitude for the $7,000 donation to his family while he tended to his ill spouse.
Photo credit: Deja Views USA
“The Randy kept the little things little so that I could take care of my wife,” said Bunge.
Found after her passing, a letter Julia Bunge wrote thanked RSMGC, of which she claimed she was unfamiliar prior to the donation. Speaking of her husband, Julia described how she used to ask Les to turn off his cell phone at night. At the time, he responded that she just didn’t understand the industry. Following her diagnosis, Julia disclosed that Les finally turned off his phone in the evening.
Without another word, Julia’s revelation and humbled appreciation of her husband’s deep devotion to the hard-working nature of the exhibition industry showed the true character of its industry members and the immeasurable generosity of RSMGC’s charity.
Bunge explained how his experience with the charity turned him into an unwavering advocate, even reaching out to those outside of the industry for donations to help others suffering similar adversities.
“I never wanted to be one of those industry people. I wanted to stay under the radar,” Bunge admitted.
A total of 88 golfers participated at this year’s Chicago Randy, held July 28 at Willow Crest Golf Club in Oak Brook, Ill., up from last year’s 57 participants. Golfers experienced fair weather and a cool breeze as they made their way through 18 holes surrounding the Oak Brook Hills Resort.
“Awesome event every year. Great foursome, pour results,” joked ELITeXPO National Sales Manager Tom Beard of his team.
Especially enthusiastic were Sho-Link participants whose employees have benefitted from the charity.
“This is a great charitable event because Sho-Link has had two recipients. Glad to support the Randy Smith,” shared Scott Rudel, president, Sho-Link.
Some golfers were already planning for the upcoming tournament in 2015.
“Beautiful day. We had a great time, and it beat being in the office! Looking forward to next year,” said Mike Harvey of Matrix Exhibits.
Sponsors of the Chicago Randy included CORT, providing both cigars for the course and furniture for the closing reception; Nuvista with commemorative T-shirts; beverage carts sponsored by Laser Exhibition Services; and all banners and signs brought by Paul Person of Display Graphic Systems.
Raising and donating over $750,000 during its 20 years, the original Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic, affectionately nicknamed “The Randy,” will be hosting its 20th anniversary tournament in Atlanta on Oct. 10 at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Ga.
