Rick's Story
Rick left us too soon in July 2022. He still had peaks to ski, competitive golf to watch, coaching to do, and sunsets to chase. Many don’t know that 17 years earlier, Rick survived a ski accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This experience fueled his 'work hard... play hard' attitude. Rick believed in 'doing well to do good,' with a passion to live life to its fullest, and give back.
With deep gratitude for the extra time we had with him, we are determined to keep his spirit alive through the clear philanthropic vision he created. The Willett Cup will honor Rick’s passion for competitive golf and his commitment to advancing brain science and improving TBI treatment. We continue his legacy by supporting brain injury research and patient care.
Success in 2026:
Launch of the RW Horizon Fund Community Scholarship
The RW Horizon Fund Community Scholarship supports access to a college education for students pursuing undergraduate study who demonstrate a meaningful connection to our community—through academics, STEM interests, resilience, impact beyond self, or competence through commitment (athletics, music, skills, etc.). We are proud to name Andre Pace as our inaugural recipient of a $10,000 scholarship for school year '26/27, a first-generation college student, Charles River CC caddy, and aspiring robotics student selected for his alignment with the fund’s mission.
The Willett Cup Invitational golf tournament will take place on June 30, 2026 at Charles River Country Club. RW Horizon donates the proceeds from this tournament to brain research at the Discovery Center at MGH Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, a US Challenge Cup Golf scholarship, and the RW Horizon Fund Community Scholarship for school year ‘27/28.
Minds in Motion, Telluride Colorado
Mission: to provide an innovative blend of connection from immersive experiences, build confidence from competence, facilitate mentorship opportunities, and explore how the brain’s thoughts, movements, emotions, and behaviors play into human potential.
The Minds in Motion for Women Who Rip is a program bringing female collegiate skiers together for an immersive experience that blends mountain challenges with performance psychology. Athletes shred side by side with professional skiers and dive into emerging brain science workshops led by Dr Haley Perlus, PhD sports psychologist, gaining tools to elevate performance, lead with confidence, and thrive on and off the slopes, all within a supportive, high-performing community.
Willett Cup Invitational 2025
in partnership with
Golfing to Advance Traumatic Brain Injury Research
The Willett Family, in partnership with US Challenge Cup Golf, presents The Willett Cup Invitational, celebrating golf’s journey from junior to professional. Rick, a passionate mentor, loved team competition, and each year we see the Challenge Cup Nation grow.
This event season has come to an exciting close, and we’re thrilled to share that just over $40,000 was raised through the 2025 Willett Cup event and auction—thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, and players. THANK YOU!
This round of donations from the RW Horizon Fund includes:
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$30,000 to the Discovery Center for Brain Injury & Concussion Recovery at the Spaulding Research Institute
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$10,000 to the US Challenge Cup Junior Golf Foundation
In total $57,000 has been raised for the Spaulding Discovery Center and US Challenge Cup Golf. We look forward to increasing support of brain injury and concussion recovery research with this annual event and sponsorship opportunities.
