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2024 Legacy Award Luncheon

2024 Legacy Award Luncheon

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM

Jack Guenther Pavilion At the Briscoe Western Art Museum

210 W. Market St. San Antonio, Texas 78205

Complimentary Valet opens at 11:00 AM | Business Attire

Honoring The Kowalski Family

Rosemary Kowalski

Greg and Bekki Kowalski

Mary Kowalski Carrington

Travis and Jamie Kowalski

Jennifer Kowalski 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.

The Kowalski Family

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 Bar B-Q, 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.


Under The RK Group’s second-generation leadership of President and CEO Greg Kowalski, alongside his wife, Special Project Manager Bekki Kowalski, and advisor Mary Kowalski Carrington, the family tradition of quality, service, and innovation thrives. They lead a dedicated team of over 1,200 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 Kowalski 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.


The family’s support has over the years extended to numerous area organizations, including San Antonio Zoo, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, The DoSeum, Afternoon All Stars, Blessed Sacrament Academy, San Antonio Area Foundation, Daily Bread Ministries, San Antonio Food Bank, Hope for the Future, Girl Scouts – Trefoil, K-9s for Warriors, the National WWII Museum, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Friends Foundation, University of the Incarnate Word, Catholic Charities, and many others. Their enduring tradition of quality, service, and community commitment serves as an inspiration.


The RK Group and the Kowalski family represent a legacy of committed service. 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.

Chairs
Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors

IN KIND SPONSORS

Tale to Tell Communications

Gold Sponsors

  • Briscoe Ranch, Inc.
  • Mr. Bill Greehey
    The Greehey Family Foundation
  • Mays Family Foundation
  • SHINER BEERS

Silver Sponsors

  • American Lumber
    Laura and Barry Hendler
  • Debbie and John T. Montford
    The Plum Foundation
  • Elma Dill Russell Spencer Foundation
  • Gloria and Fully Clingman 
  • The Guenther Family
  • Jan McCaleb Elliott
  • Jefferson Bank
    Mission Restaurant Supply
  • Luther King Capital Management
  • McCombs Enterprises
  • Muriel F. Siebert Foundation
  • Nicole and Rob McClane
    Jessica Elliott Middleton

Bronze Sponsors

  • Bexar County Heritage Department 
  • Freeman Coliseum
  • Frost
  • International Bank of Commerce
  • Margie and Bill Klesse
    Klesse Foundation
  • PNC Bank
  • Ruthie Russell
  • Scott Petty Family Foundation
  • Texas Capital
  • Kathleen and Dr. Jerry Tomasovic
  • UT Health San Antonio
  • Williams-Chadwick Family Foundation
  • 80/20 Foundation

Discover More as a Member

Stylized depiction of a statue featuring an individual riding a horse, placed on a pedestal with steps leading up to it. A building with railings and architectural details is visible in the background.

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