Randy Davis, a beloved local business owner note for his charitable and caring nature, needs the help of his community.
That’s where Save Randy Davis, an organization started by friends to help offset the cost of medical bills throughout Davis’ struggle with acute renal failure, comes in.
The organization has already done several events around the city to benefit Davis, and the upcoming RandyPalooza concert at Coach’s Corner on Sat., June 22 is sure to be a major success.
Featuring a stellar lineup of local bands, raffles, auctions, BBQ, and fun, the all-day affair has been made possible due to the generous donations of vendors, artists, and local businesses.
Their generosity has ensured that money from RandyPalooza will go to Davis’ medical expenses 100 percent.
“[Randy] is a local fellow, born and raised in Savannah. For the 20 years that I’ve known him, he’s been the most cheerful, positive, outgoing, and overwhelmingly generous man that I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting,” friend and Save Randy Davis founder Dan Foulds tells Connect.
“I was active in the Alee Shrine for several years, and we used to do golf tournaments. He’d always come and play in our tournaments to raise money for children. I actually personally witnessed him win $2,500 in a 50/50 raffle—and mind you, this is not a wealthy guy. He stands up and looks around the room and goes, ‘How about if I just donate that money back?’”
Foulds says he’s seen Davis’ charitable nature in action countless times, and now it’s time to give back to him. Davis owns Davis produce, a local produce stand, and isn’t currently able to do the work that provides an income for his family.
“He went into acute renal failure, total kidney failure, several months ago. And that laid him out. He really got laid low,” Foulds says.
“His kidney function is zero. He’s on dialysis, but he was starting so far back that he’s having a hard time adapting to the dialysis. That severely impacts the amount of money that he can make for the business. They’ve taken a hit for that. When they were looking at health insurance, they had to make a decision - ‘Are we going to make our house payment, or are we going to pay for health insurance?’ That’s a sad fact of the way the health insurance business is working in America now.”
The objective for Save Randy Davis is simple—they want to help sustain Davis and his family in their time of need.
“The community has risen up unbelievably for this family,” Foulds says.
The June 22 event at Coach’s Corner will feature a lineup of local artists including DRAUCKER, Jason Courtenay & the Hazard Co. Band, Damon & the Shitkickers, and more. There’ll be BBQ, games, and auctions - all in the name of helping a good man as he fights an unimaginable fight.
“Jason Courtenay goes out and calls all of his [musician] friends, and they said, ‘We’re coming and you’re not paying us a penny.’ John Henderson has volunteered [Coach’s Corner], and he is volunteering the dinner. There is no fee. Every single dollar from this event goes to the Davis family,” Foulds says.
Foulds gets emotional when talking about Davis’ struggle, but says that he’s floored by how the community has rallied around one of their own so far.
“This has been a great experience, and a lot of people have been amazing,” he says. “When you’re at a Save Randy Davis event, you have a good time. And you walk out of there with a heart full of joy. It’s Savannah stepping up and being the best Savannah there is. I’m really proud to be a part of it.”
