Our Story

Rich Pichette was a close friend of the Kustom Culture community. He was stricken with Alzheimer’s during the prime of his life and on July 28, 2010, Rich lost his battle with this terrible disease. For the past 30 years, he was a huge driving force behind the resurgence, awareness and appreciation for Kustom cars on the West Coast. Rich is responsible for conceiving the event to celebrate Kustoms and their builders, the West Coast Kustoms' Cruisin' Nationals, formerly known as "Paso."

In order to celebrate Rich’s life and bring awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, the Kustom community is coming together to produce a "One of a Kind" 54 Mercury Kustom, appropriately named "Memories," in his honor.

The car was originally donated over 20 years ago to the West Coast Kustoms from long time Kustom enthusiast Gary Minor. The original concept for the car was to be a club project car, but as time went by the car bounced around to different shops making little progress. Unfortunately, with the progression of Rich’s disease he was unable to finish the build.

The build is being completed by some of the most talented craftsmen there are in Kustomizing: Keith Dean, Rick Dore, Bill Hines, Sam Foose, and Daryl Hollenbeck are some just some of the talent involved in this project. The car will also use the best parts donated by top Automotive Aftermarket parts manufacturers and suppliers in the industry.

When completed, "Memories" will then begin it’s tour of indoor/outdoor car shows across the country, bringing awareness of the debilitating disease of Alzheimer’s and raising donations for the project. This "One of a Kind" 54 Merc will be auctioned to the highest bidder at the Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. All proceeds from the auction and donations will go directly to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) for research and daily care giving to those still battling this disease.

Please follow along on the updates page to see how the project progresses.

Show us your support by donating to this worthwhile tax deductible cause.

We need your help in getting this done!
Show Your Love of Kustoms!

Make Donations to:
RP Alzheimers Project
c/o Rit Pichette
1772 Mathews Street
Riverside, California 92507

2023 calendar

Now Available!
12 Month 2023 West Coast Kustoms Car Calendar

Twelve beautiful custom cars are featured in full color
in 8.5” X 11” format.

Important dates such as 2023 car shows and legendary customizer’s Birthdays are listed.

The best part is, the proceeds from the sale of the calendar go towards the Rich Pichette 1954 Mercury Alzheimer’s Awareness Project with final proceeds going towards Alzheimer’s research and hopes of an eventual cure.

Please help by purchasing one today!
Get an extra one for a friend or your garage!
click here for more info
Shipping included
$16 U.S.
$18 Canada
$22 Overseas
PayPal at rpalzheimersproject@yahoo.com

Calendar/Memory Book Combo Pack also available
$25. set, includes shipping

Make check or money order payable to:
R P Alzheimers Project
c/o RitPichette
1772 Mathews Street
Riverside, California 92507





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