Who is Buddy?
Buddy’s Race is named for BUDDY’S bar-b-q founder, Buddy Smothers, who valiantly battled cancer until his death in 1992. People knew Buddy for his delicious barbecue, and they knew him as a good businessman. But more importantly, they knew him for supporting the community. “We were looking for a way to do our part in the fight against cancer as a corporation and a family,” said Suzanne Lindsey, Buddy’s daughter and co-owner of BUDDY’S bar-b-q restaurants. “The Race provided the perfect opportunity to get involved.” In his memory, the BUDDY’S Race Against Cancer began 16 years ago. Since its inception, the race has raised $3 million. Because of the BUDDY’S Race, thousands of people in rural and medically underserved areas receive cancer screenings and education that help save lives.