Dorothy and Tom Watson share a belief that giving is a responsibility for those with the means to help. “When you have the ability at any stage of your life, you help,” says Tom. That belief has shaped their philanthropy, including their support for the Vail Health Behavioral Health Innovation Center (BHIC), where their generous gift is helping to expand access to behavioral health research and care.
Finding Their Way to Each Other
Tom grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and was introduced to golf at age 6 by his father. He soon found success playing in local and state tournaments. He went on to study clinical psychology at Stanford, and by the end of college, he decided to pursue golf professionally, building a successful career that included winning the 1982 U.S. Open.
Dorothy was raised in a small rural town in Kansas and developed a strong work ethic from a young age, a value that both her parents instilled in her. She put herself through college and went on to hold a range of roles, including university admissions and economic development, before spending 17 years in government and public relations for Koch Industries.
The two did not meet until later in life, after each of them lost their spouses to cancer. A mutual friend, known for connecting widows and widowers, put them in touch. After getting to know each other, they started dating and then got married in October 2024. The couple stays active, playing golf and pickleball, and spends their time between their homes in Kansas, Arizona, and Vail.
A Mission to Give
Tom and Dorothy share a spirit of giving. Tom has supported causes throughout his life, including children’s health and ALS research, while Dorothy established an endowment for the Wichita State University’s honors college, which expands access for first-generation students. Dorothy’s giving started at home. Her father, a strong believer in tithing, taught her to give 10 percent back. Together, they support the Vail Veterans Foundation and, more recently, BHIC.
“It’s really moving when you can make a difference and see your dollars at work,” says Dorothy.
Finding Purpose in Vail
Vail drew them in for the mountains, the skiing, and its strong sense of community. Dorothy fell in love with the area first, alongside her late husband, Bill, who introduced her to the region and, later, to the importance of giving back locally. Over time, Tom became just as connected, and together they found purpose in supporting Vail Health.
“What Vail Health provides for this community—the expertise, the outstanding research in behavioral sciences, and exceptional care from doctors and staff—is a very important part of this region,” says Tom.
Dorothy’s interest in BHIC comes from personal experience. She attended a lecture there and left feeling like she’d been “in a room of geniuses… listening to people who can change the world.” She was struck by how few options exist for people living with depression and anxiety. Many try medications without relief or have hard reactions to them, leaving them wondering where to turn.
The couple has seen family members and close friends struggle with depression and anxiety, and both have been touched by suicide. Through their gift, they hope BHIC’s research into more holistic approaches to treatment can help people find relief they haven’t found elsewhere.
“I am a person of hope, and I want to hold out that we can find that hope,” says Dorothy.
We’re so lucky to have this incredible health system in our mountain community, served by people who care. I want to help Vail Health continue doing what they’re doing.”Dorothy Watson