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The Community Enrichment Award originated from a desire on the part of the Trustees of the Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund to honor Leonora Kempner ("Nonie") Thompson on the occasion of her retirement as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Kempner Fund. She had served on the Board as a Trustee and Secretary/Treasurer for thirty-four years and then for four years as Chairman, succeeding her brother Harris L. Kempner.

Much thought was given to her interests and her philosophy of life in trying to determine an appropriate way to honor her. Her devotion to her home community, Galveston, was a "given." In the tradition of her Blum and Kempner forebears, she has always been generous with her time, ideas, and support to innumerable local organizations and causes. She has been particularly interested in The Grand 1894 Opera House. Her involvement began in 1974 when a few people decided that the abandoned and derelict theatre building needed to be restored to its former splendor because the community needed and deserved a first class performing arts facility. Years of fund-raising ensued, with Nonie involved at every level - from selling T-shirts to using her considerable powers of persuasion to solicit funds from individuals and foundations all over the state. She was the first President of the Board of The Grand when it incorporated in 1986. Mrs. Thompson's concern for keeping The Grand's doors open and tenacious efforts to keep the cash flowing have continued.

With these thoughts in mind, the Trustees of the Kempner Fund voted to designate a contribution to The Grand 1894 Opera House to be used as the nucleus of a revolving fund to assist in underwriting an annual special event to raise funds for the organization's programs and operations.

In 1992, The Grand's Board of Directors chose to establish an annual award benefit to honor an individual or individuals who had contributed to the enrichment of the community in the spirit of Leonora Kempner Thompson. They voted to name the annual award in her honor and selected her as the first recipient.

PRIOR AWARD RECIPIENTS

1992 – Leonora Kempner Thompson (first recipient)

1993 – George and Cynthia Mitchell

1994 – Edna and Bill Levin

1995 – Mrs. Frances Moody Newman, Mr. Shearn Moody, Jr.,
           and Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Moody, Sr.

1996 – Dennis Miller

1997 – Lyda Ann Quinn Thomas

1998 – Susan and Johnny Walker

1999 – Ruth Kempner

2000 – Diane and Marion Duzich

2001 – Tilman and Paige Fertitta

2002 – Pat and Fred Burns

2003 – Maureen and Larry Patton

2004 – Margaret and Jim Earthman

2005 - Mary Ann and Jack Stobo

2006 – Gerry and Gene Hornstein, Lynn and Armin Cantini
2007 – Brenda Levy Hutchings

2008 – Harris L. Kempner, Jr. and Hetta Towler Kempner (Shrub and Peaches)

2009 – Burke Evans

Award ceremony proceeds benefit The Grand 1894 Opera House.