Briscoe Western Art Museum
Explore the art and artifacts that bring the stories of the West to life.
Survival of the Fittest: Envisioning Wildlife and Wilderness with the Big Four
June 14 – September 8
Briscoe Learning Opportunities
Whether you’re planning a family trip, a date night or a field trip, The Briscoe has a wide range of educational activities for all age groups.
Become a Briscoe Member
Support the museum’s mission to preserve and promote the shared heritage of the American West.
The Kowalski Family
Rosemary Kowalski
Greg and Bekki Kowalski
Travis and Jamie Kowalski
Jennifer Heinz
The Legacy Award Luncheon is an opportunity to honor very special and deserving members of the community. Established to celebrate the philanthropic spirit of the late Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe, Jr. and his wife Janey, the museum recognizes generous contributions, advocacy, and volunteerism. The Briscoe Western Art Museum is pleased to announce the seventh annual Dolph & Janey Briscoe Legacy Award will be presented to the Kowalski Family. Please join us Wednesday, October 16, 2024 as we honor a San Antonio woman and family whose commitment to philanthropy has significantly impacted the Briscoe Western Art Museum, our community, and South Texas.
From modest beginnings on the south side of San Antonio to becoming a business maven and long-time community contributor, Rosemary Kowalski has been an integral part of San Antonio’s history and a driving force in its evolution as a hospitality leader. Since 1946, when Rosemary and her husband Henry opened their first venture, Uncle Ben’s Barbeque, the core values of service, family, and community have defined what is now known as the RK Group. The company is renowned for setting new standards in innovative hospitality and event services, distinguished by fresh ingredients, creative menus, meticulous attention to detail, and a steadfast commitment to community service. From HemisFair ’68 to events and organizations across South Texas and beyond, Rosemary’s dedication to volunteerism and community support has deeply influenced the Kowalski family.
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Under the second-generation leadership of President and CEO Greg Kowalski, alongside his wife, Special Project Manager Bekki Kowalski, the family tradition of quality, service, and innovation thrives. They lead a dedicated team of over 800 employees, continuing the legacy set forth by Rosemary. This foundation of community service is further strengthened by the third generation, led by Chief Administrative Officer Travis Kowalski, Chief Strategy Officer Jennifer K. Heinz, and Vice President of Corporate Relations Jamie Kowalski. These leaders consistently make a positive impact on charitable, arts, civic, and veterans-dedicated organizations across Texas.
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The family’s support extends to numerous area organizations, including the Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Crafts Center, San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio Zoo, The DoSeum, Afternoon All Stars, Respite Care of San Antonio, Blessed Sacrament Academy, Texas A&M San Antonio, San Antonio Area Foundation, Any Baby Can, Daily Bread Ministries, Hope for the Future, Hispanic Heritage Center, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Girl Scouts – Trefoil, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, K-9s for Warriors, the National WWII Museum, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Friends Foundation, and many others. Their enduring tradition of quality, service, and community commitment serves as an inspiration.
The RK Group and the Kowalski family epitomize servant leadership. Their selfless dedication to organizations like the Briscoe and many others continues to strengthen and enrich our community
Hollie Hendler Gilleland
Nancy Loeffler
Nicole McClane
Jane Macon
Sonya Medina Williams
Debbie Montford
We invite you to join us as a sponsor of this important event honoring Rosemary and the Kowalski Family. Sponsors become active champions in sharing the art, heritage, and culture of the American West. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit upcoming exhibits, education, and arts-access programming for area students.
For future sponsorship information, please contact:
Amber Phifer, Director of Development and Externals Affairs, at (210) 507-4864 or by email at aphifer@briscoemuseum.org.
Proceeds from the annual Legacy Award Luncheon directly benefit the museum’s educational outreach, exhibitions, and programming throughout the year.
Briscoe Ranch, Inc.
SHINER BEERS
American Lumber | Laura and Barry Hendler
Debbie and John T. Montford | The Plum Foundation
Gloria and Fully ClingmanÂ
The Guenther Family
Jan McCaleb ElliottÂ
Luther King Capital ManagementÂ
Nicole and Rob McClane | Jessica Elliott Middleton Â
Bexar County Heritage Department
Frost
International Bank of Commerce
Margie and Bill Klesse | Klesse Foundation
Texas Capital
UT Health San Antonio
T. 210.299.4499
F. 210.299.4118
info@briscoemuseum.org
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