The Randy Roberts Foundation
Inspiring Young Leaders to Impact Their World
Story by Cheryl Johnston | Photos courtesy of Rhissa Parker
The story of the Randy Roberts Foundation is one that’s bigger than life, like the very special man for whom it was named.
The story behind RRF is Randy Roberts, the highly regarded government relations director for Publix Super Markets who died suddenly two years ago in 2009 at age 36 from a heart aneurysm.
From his pre-teen years, the Florida native believed in public service, a lifestyle his parents had also modeled for him. He was proud of his Civil Air Patrol involvement and was the first student ever elected to serve with the Broward County School Board. His education in public relations and succeeding career path led through Leadership Florida involvement and positions with Disney (college years), Cingular Wireless and the Orlando PR firm of Carlman Booker before he was hired as Publix’s only lobbyist.
Randy was known among his peers for his passion, integrity, and sincerity. He represented clients and employers well and worked tirelessly to develop public affairs partnerships that produced solutions to the problems America’s citizens faced.
Because of Randy’s winning ways and his love for people in general, he affected many lives. Each of the 1,000-plus who attended his funeral would have their own “Randy” story to tell. At only 36, he had touched thousands.
With the help of close friends, his widow Sara started RRF within two weeks after his passing. Her mission now is to encourage high school students to follow Randy’s lead in public involvement as they move into college and community careers.
The RRF red, white, and blue logo illustrates the influence one person like Randy Roberts can use to make the world a better place. The red star symbolizes Randy reaching down to earth to begin a ripple effect that continues to encircle others who also set out to improve their world. Randy always cared more than enough about his fellow man to ask the next question, take the next step, and offer support because that’s what leaders and civic-minded citizens do. They put words into action.
Impact for the Greater Good
Because of Randy’s winning ways and his love for people in general, he affected many lives.
Sara and friends believe through RRF that his vision and their determined mission will facilitate many high school seniors to become active leaders in their colleges and communities. The Foundation accomplishes its mission with scholarships, mentoring and with opportunities to participate in Congressional Classroom.
Scholarships
Presently, RRF has 10 scholarship recipients. Students are expected scholarship to earn acceptable grades, communicate regularly about their college activities, and expand their own leadership commitments in order to be eligible for continued funds the following year.
The beauty of this also is that these students are building their own broad-based network of contacts and associations through their connections to RFF board members and supporters.
Congressional Classroom
RRF also coordinates the Congressional Classroom Program for high school juniors in Florida’s Twelfth District.
In January 2012, the Foundation will do a follow-up with the group of 15 who spent five days in September 2011 in the nation’s capitol where they experienced government in action, met legislative officials and participated in related learning activities.
The September group was privileged also with the priceless experience of meeting and speaking with Honor Flight WWII veterans who were visiting Arlington Cemetery and the monuments built to honor their service. This unplanned conjunction of schedules provided the perfect opportunity for students to meet their elders who served at great cost. It is important that future leaders learn humility and respect for the sacrifice that so many have made for America’s freedom and this experience deeply impacted the teens.
Board of Directors
RRF founder and president Sara Rust Roberts directs the twelve-member board which consists of
Paul Bernstein, Derek Bruce, Jacob DiPietreRob Kathryn Nohe Franco (Treasurer), Blake Gable, Clayton Hollis, Ron LaFace, Jr., Cindi Marsiglio, Seth McKeel, Rob Meis, Melissa Putnam, Todd Renner (Secretary), and Jamie Sims (VP).
Fundraising and Sponsorships
The 501(c)(3) non-profit Foundation views all financial contributors as partners and provides regular updates on RRF’s impact.
The Foundation has aggressive goals to ensure support for the education and leadership training necessary to prepare future leaders throughout Florida. These goals are accomplished by the generosity of individuals and corporations who realize the importance of RRF’s work. Five levels of sponsorships are available as follows: Founding Father ($20,000), Patriot ($10,000), Loyalist ($5,000), Nationalist ($1,000), Flag Waver ($500).
Each spring, RRF hosts two fundraising events: 2012 will mark the third year for the annual RFF Golf Tournament and for the annual Ice Cream Social.
Of course, donations of any amount are always welcomed and appreciated.
You’re invited to help
When the Roberts’ friend David Steele wrote in memory of principles that “Randy knew…”, he included this one: “We are rarely more valuable than when we are at the moment we introduce strangers to one another. Be a bridge.”
And now, Randy’s friends invite you to become part of that rippling effect. They want to connect people who shared Randy’s passion and principles and invest in the next generation.
This Foundation’s mission isn’t to win elections or to change policy. It exists to help young men and women who care enough about their communities to make an impact. Its goal is to identify talent and help students develop it through the tools of education, networks and experience. RRF wants its students to be difference makers.
The Foundation is here to do what Randy did. Another thing that Randy would have us know is, according to Steele, “Don’t just leave. Make the rounds.”
And Randy might add, “Ripple the waters.”
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