10th Annual Jim & Jerry Smith Memorial Golf Tournament Drives Cancer Immunotherapy Forward

Jim and Jerry Smith were nearly inseparable brothers who shared a zest for life and a love for golf. In late 2012, both lost their lives to different types of cancer. Jim’s sons and Jerry’s nephews, Trevor and Connor Smith, started a golf tournament and fundraiser shortly thereafter to honor the memories of their father and uncle. Saturday, November 23, will mark the 10^th Annual Jim & Jerry Smith Memorial Golf Tournament, and will take place at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club in Tustin, CA. Trevor Smith recently spoke with the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) to discuss his father, Jim, and uncle, Jerry, and why fundraising for cancer immunotherapy research is so important to him. 

With immunotherapy being so broadly applicable to so many different types of cancers, we felt that CRI would really resonate with all 150 plus golfers.”

–Trevor Smith, CRI Fundraiser

10 Years of Funding Cancer Immunotherapy Research 

CRI has been funding immunotherapy research, which bolsters the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, for 71 years. Smith learned about CRI because he used to work for Classy, the organization that powers the golf tournament’s fundraising platform. He said that what drove the creation of the fundraiser is how many people can relate to the loss that he and his brother experienced with their father and uncle.

“So many people we talk to at every single tournament have been impacted in some way, shape, or form by cancer,” Smith said. “Everyone raises their hand when we ask about it.” 

10 years of funding cancer immunotherapy research feels significant to Smith, who talked glowingly of his community of golfers and fundraisers. In his words, the tournament started with a “ragtag group” of 12 guys. This year’s event has ballooned to 160 golfers and marks the fifth straight year where the tournament has sold out. Though the day will feature a golf tournament, Smith stressed fundraising is the point—the Smith brothers have raised over $100K during these 10 fundraisers. 

“It’s about sharing stories, memories, and remembering those who are fighting cancer or have unfortunately lost the battle with cancer,” he told CRI. “Something that is really cool about this tournament is there are generally very, very few one and done golfers and or donors.” Not all participants are avid golfers, but nonetheless they dust off their clubs and attend the tournament regularly to raise money for potentially life-saving cancer immunotherapy research. 

Trevor’s Advice on How to Fundraise for CRI 

There are plenty of unique ways to fundraise for CRI on behalf of cancer immunotherapy researchers and patients. Whether you want to run in an upcoming marathon, host a birthday fundraiser, or honor loved ones like Smith continues to do, becoming a member of CRI’s global community is easy. He said the most important thing for fundraisers to know ahead of time is causes and personal stories resonate with people.

“The main message I would give is to lead with storytelling,” Smith passionately emphasized. “The mission of CRI is something that resonates with just about everybody. Whether you reach your people best via text message, e-mail, or social media, lean into storytelling.”

He also noted that people give various amounts for his fundraiser. What Smith considers important is that if your story connects with someone who joins your event, they might amplify it with their own social circle, further increasing their impact. Cierra Howard, manager of community fundraising at CRI, agreed.

“Fundraising is obviously extremely important to us and is key to helping CRI-funded scientists who make breakthroughs that can help countless patients,” Howard explained. “Raising awareness is just as critical because it allows new donors and fundraisers to inject energy and their own enriching stories into our global community. It’s all about bringing people together to help conquer cancer once and for all.” You can reach Howard at (212) 688-7515 or email [email protected] if you would like to join Team CRI and create your own fundraiser.

Fundraisers like the Smiths have a huge impact on the acceleration of cancer immunotherapy discoveries. We invite you to join them and help us create a world immune to cancer.