Gala 2026

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU!

The Bryan Museum’s 2026 Gala, Texas, Our Promised Land: Celebrating the Jewish Pioneers of Texas, was an unforgettable evening filled with reflection, connection, and celebration.

Thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors, table hosts, and guests, the evening raised approximately $815,000 in support of The Bryan Museum’s mission. 

Guests gathered to honor the remarkable legacy of Rabbi Henry Cohen and the generations of Jewish pioneers whose resilience, faith, and determination helped shape the cultural and economic fabric of Texas. Through powerful storytelling, moving tributes, and shared moments throughout the evening, their stories were brought vividly to life, reminding us all of the enduring spirit that defines our state.

We are honored by the community that surrounds this Museum and thankful to all who made this evening so meaningful.

Click the button below to relive the evening and explore the full gallery of Gala photos.
VIEW PHOTO GALLERY!
The Bryan Museum Presents
Port of Promise
The Jewish Pioneers of Texas

Port of Promise brings to life the powerful stories of Jewish immigrants who helped shape Texas by building businesses, strengthening communities, and preserving their heritage. From Galveston’s pivotal role in welcoming over 10,000 immigrants to leaders like Rabbi Henry Cohen, this exhibition reveals a legacy of resilience and impact.

Help us share these important, little-known stories and donate today.

Click To Support

2026 Co-Chairs

Lily and Charles Foster |  B.J. and Buddy Herz |  Joy and Benjamin Warren

Honorary Chair

Rabbi Peter Kessler  |  In Honor of Rabbi Jimmy Kessler (z”l) and Shelley Kessler

Host Committee Chair

Robert T. Sakowitz

Gala Committee

  • Laurie & Jeff Bricker
  • Linda & Andy Burger
  • Melissa Cohen-Nickels & Joseph Nickels
  • Mary Cooper
  • Martha & Don Freedman
  • Cheryl & Steve Golub
  • Rebecca & Joe Jaworski
  • Elyse & Lewis Kalmans
  • Peaches Kempner
  • Eliza & Danny Quigley
  • Shelley Kessler
  • Brittany Sakowitz Kushner & Kevin Kushner
  • Linda & Neil Nathan
  • Karen & Murry Penner
  • Paula G. Pozmantier
  • Regina Rogers
  • Barbara & Dominick Sasser
  • Jeri & Marc Shapiro
  • Lisa & Roy Sheinbaum
  • Sassy Stanton & Bill Pinckard, Jr.
  • Tracy & Gary Stein
  • Hector Villarreal
  • Dolly & Gary Weisserman

Thank You To Our Gala Sponsors

Visionary $25,000 

  • CenterPoint Energy (Colleen & Phillip Smith)
  • Chisos, LTD
  • Jay & Tim Goff
  • Marathon Group (JB & Andrea Bryan)
  • Hetta “Peaches” Kempner
  • Moody Foundation (Elle Moody, Ross Moody, Frances Moody-Dahlberg)
  • Sullivan Brothers Family of Companies
  • The University of Texas Medical Branch
  • Joy & Benjamin Warren

Remembrance $15,000 

  • Dr. Leon Bromberg Charitable Trust
  • Marcela Donadio & Lawrence Dickerson, Cheryl & Alan Mello, Mayor Pro Tem Marie & Chris Robb
  • The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Foundation (Lee Herman), Hirsch & Westheimer, P.C. (Eric Lipper)
  • High Tide Foundation
  • Guylene & Jay Lendrum
  • Physician Resources, Inc. and UltraStaff (Jolyn and Russell Scheirman)

Benevolent $10,000 

  • Martin, Barbara, Matthew, & Janelle Bronstein in memory of Jacob & Sarah Kellner and Hyman & Mary Bronstein
  • Dianne & Fred Burns, Dancie & Jim Ware
  • Frances Moody Buzbee & Tony Buzbee
  • Gail & Armin Cantini, Debi & Galen Havner, Jeffrey & Marc Hill, Rebecca & Joe Jaworski, Denise & Eric Vaughan
  • Janet & Ernie Cockrell
  • Meryl & Murry Cohen, Jacqueline & Wayne Dorris, Sandy & Richard Jackson, Sherry & Gerald Merfish
  • Cruise Lines International Association
  • B.J. & Buddy Herz
  • Hunter Family Foundation
  • Brittany Sakowitz Kushner & Kevin Kushner, Robert T. Sakowitz
  • Kate & Jim Lykes
  • Moody Bank
  • Judith P. Oppenheim
  • PSA Lighting (Michelle Iversen Jeffery)
  • Barbara & Dominick Sasser
  • George and Magnolia Willis Sealy Foundation in honor of B.J. & Buddy Herz
  • Jeri & Marc Shapiro
  • Pam & Larry Taylor 

 Community $2,500 

  • Francine & Brad Beckman
  • Mary Cooper
  • Denise & Steve Estrin
  • Lily & Charles Foster
  • Martha & Don Freedman
  • Esther Friedman Family Foundation
  • Heidi & David Gerger
  • Christine & Mike Glover
  • Elyse & Lewis Kalmans
  • Rabbi Peter Kessler
  • Kathy & Bud Kulesza
  • Lucy Leatherwood & Stanton Bell, Jr.
  • Tracey & Robert McNamara
  • Carl Moerer
  • Linda & Neil Nathan
  • Geoffry H. Oshman & Jodel Oshman-Berry
  • Paradigm Construction
  • Paula Pozmantier
  • Leslie & Russ Robinson
  • Regina Rogers
  • Brenda & Mansel Rubenstein
  • Debbie & Marc Shabot
  • Tracy & Gary Stein
  • Texas Capital Bank
  • Barbara Thompson
  • Thunderbird School of Global Management-ASU Foundation 

 Underwriters  

  • Sheila Aron
  • David Bertus
  • Geoffrey Connor
  • Dan Flournoy
  • Shara Fryer & Barry Silverman
  • Cary & Laura Grossman
  • Hill & Hill, PC 

 Donors 

  • Katharine Armstrong & Ben Love
  • Jeff Austin
  • Susan & James Baker, III
  • Alan Baum
  • Minnette & Peter Boesel, In honor of Lily & Charles Foster and Robert T. Sakowitz
  • Jeff & Laurie Bricker
  • Linda & Andy Burger, In honor of Judith Oppenheim 
  • Nancy & James Gordon
  • Eleanor & Harry Halff
  • Punkin & Walter Hecht
  • Gerry & Gene Hornstein
  • Thomas Kelsey
  • Shelley Kessler
  • Rabbi David Lyon
  • John Nau, III
  • Frank Rynd, In memory of Irving Pozmantier
  • Terry & Tom Smith, in honor of Dianne & Fred Burns
  • Phoebe Tudor, In honor of Lily & Charles Foster and J.P. Bryan 

In-Kind 

  • All In One Tents & Events
  • Tito’s Vodka
  • Island Flowers
  • Eureka Heights Brewery