Classic car impresario Don Williams is being honored by those he impacted in the hobby by the creation of a program that trains underserved and at-risk youth to be restorers and mechanics.
Don passed away this past March, creating a ripple effect that was felt from coast to coast by collectors and restorers and everyone in-between. He was involved in founding Barrett-Jackson, the Blackhawk Museum, and even the hallowed Dawn Patrol procession at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In fact, as he approached his 50th year at Pebble Beach, Don expressed the sentiment, “The cars are significant, but the memories of all the wonderful people we have met and the lasting friendships that have been forged by participating in this great event over the last five decades are priceless.”
The idea of paying tribute to Don’s love for cars and people came during a conversation between Pebble Beach Concours Chairwoman Sandra Button and her husband, Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson, and his wife, Chief Philanthropy Officer Carolyn Jackson.
“Don was a beloved member of our Barrett-Jackson family and the collector car community as a whole,” says Craig Jackson. “For five decades, Don was a vital part of our auctions. A trusted advisor, we shared a love for restoring cars and it’s an honor to make this donation in his memory as we fuel the growth and prosperity of this hobby that Don loved for generations to come.”
The next step was finding a charity. One of the Pebble Beach Concours charities, Rancho Cielo, garnered their attention. Rancho Cielo was founded in 2000 to provide education, workforce training, counseling, and a variety of services to youth that have not done well in traditional school systems and communities — youth often impacted by drugs or gang affiliations. Rancho Cielo has had success helping disenfranchised youth graduate from high school and find their way into higher educational programs and lifelong vocations like the culinary arts and construction.
And, now, auto repair, restoration, and mechanical/engineering.
“We hope these funds provide a brighter future for many young people as well as many cars,” adds Sandra Button.
The Buttons and the Jackson Family Foundation each have contributed substantial funds to get things going, and they invite others from the community and beyond to join them in coming together to remember Don in a lasting way. Contributions can be made in memory of Don Williams to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, the charitable partner of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, via www.pebblebeachconcours.net/charity-giving/donate-now.
