The 33rd Annual Leonora Kempner Thompson
Community Enrichment Award
honoring
DOUG & JOAN McLEOD
benefitting
The Grand 1894 Opera House
Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Cocktail Reception – Edna’s Room
Dinner on Stage followed by Award Presentation
Black Tie Attire | Valet Parking
History
The Leonora Kempner Thompson 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.
Because of Ms. Thompson’s active participation, dedication, and commitment to her community, 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 many vital programs and operations.
In 1992, The Grand’s Board of Directors chose to establish an annual event 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.
For additional information about the Community Enrichment Award event, please contact Chris Aucoin at 409.770.5055.
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
2010 – Mary Ellen and Chuck Doyle
2011 – Cindy and John L. Sullivan and Susanne and Gerald Sullivan
2012 – Susan Lipnick Lynch and Robert L.K. Lynch
2013 – Drs. Ben and Sharon Raimer
2014 – The Honorable Craig Eiland
2015 – Janice and Victor Pierson
2016 – Francisco “Paco” Vargas
2017 – B.J. and Buddy Herz
2018 – Gina Spagnola
2019 – Ray and Vivian Pinard
2022 – Kathrine G. McGovern
2023 – Johnny Smecca
2024 – Jay Carnes
2025 – Mike Dean