A Legacy of Hope: The Birth of the B. Robert Williamson Jr. Foundation

In order to preserve the memory and generous spirit of Benjamin Robert Williamson Jr., the family and friends of the late money manager have come together to create the B. Robert Williamson Jr. Foundation.

The foundation was established with a lead gift by Chilton Investment Company founder Richard L. Chilton Jr. and his wife, Maureen, in memory of Robert, a close friend and colleague who died tragically in April.

The foundation seeks to provide financial support in the form of charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations that primarily focus on the education and empowerment of young people.

“We think this will be the perfect legacy for Robert,” Caroline Williamson said. “My husband would be very happy to know that we’re providing opportunities for so many young people.”

The board of trustees is made up of family friends and business partners of the Williamson family, who are all directly involved in the grant making process and are dedicated to assisting underserved, vulnerable populations. With a commitment to data-based and outcome-driven decision making, the foundation operates with a belief in the importance of open and transparent communication with grantees.

Interested parties can make donations to the foundation on the newly launched website, www.brwjrfoundation.org.

Williamson, a resident of Manhattan, was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. He attended the Ravenscroft School in Raleigh before earning his degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon receiving his MBA from the Wake Forest School of Business, Williamson joined the firm of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette as a stockbroker.

From there, he worked for Tiger Management before co-founding his own hedge fund, Williamson McAree Investments, and, in January 2011, joining Chilton Investment Company, where at his death he was the managing director.