Saddle Up! Raises Millions for the Alamo and Celebrates Transformational Gift from the Steves Family

On a beautiful Texas evening beneath the stars at the historic Alamo, hundreds of guests gathered for Saddle Up!, a special celebration benefiting the preservation and future of the Alamo. Yesterday's event, which featured a performance by country-blues artist Charley Crockett, brought together Alamo supporters, dignitaries, and members of the community for a night of music, history, and philanthropy.

In total, the event raised $11,835,899, which includes a $10 million transformational gift from the Steves Family, announced during the program by Alamo Trust Executive Director Dr. Kate Rogers. In recognition of this extraordinary generosity, the future event venue atop the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum—complete with a wraparound terrace overlooking the Alamo Church and San Antonio skyline—will be named the Steves Family Events Center.

"For our family, the Alamo is not just a landmark—it’s part of who we are. As descendants of John W. Smith, a courier of the Alamo, we feel a deep responsibility to help preserve its legacy," said Sam Bell Steves.

"This gift is our way of honoring that history and ensuring that future generations can experience the Alamo’s story in a powerful and meaningful way," added Edward Galt Steves.

"The Steves Family’s roots are deeply tied to the Alamo’s story,” said Dr. Kate Rogers, Executive Director of the Alamo Trust, Inc. “They are direct descendants of Alamo courier, John W. Smith, and their commitment to preserving this sacred site is nothing short of inspiring. This transformational gift will help ensure that generations to come will connect with the Alamo’s full story in new and meaningful ways when the Alamo's Visitor Center and Museum opens in 2027. I’m also deeply grateful to the evening’s supporters, sponsors, and our incredible event chairs, who helped make Saddle Up! a powerful night of philanthropy for the future of the Alamo."

The evening also spotlighted the Alamo Statewide Stampede, a grassroots campaign rallying all 254 Texas counties to support the Alamo’s preservation and enhancement. Led by Honorary Chair Red Steagall, the Stampede recognizes the top-contributing counties by per capita giving, with unique prizes including a custom wooden gavel, a “Key to the Alamo,” and a Texas flag that flew over the iconic Church on the 189th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo.

Saddle Up! was made possible through the support of generous sponsors and event chairs Megan and Tres Steves, Gloria Steves, and Lida and Tres Plummer. Special thanks go to our top sponsors—J&S Hacienda Esperanza, Lauren Kate and Peter J. Holt, and Susan Naylor/Naylor Morton Ranch—whose leadership and generosity helped make this event a resounding success.

The Alamo Trust, Inc. and Remember the Alamo Foundation extend heartfelt thanks to all who made this unforgettable evening a success. Proceeds will support the $550 million Alamo Plan, which includes the construction of a new Visitor Center and Museum, the Texas Cavaliers Education Center, and ongoing preservation efforts to preserve and enhance the visitors experience at The Alamo for future generations.

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Alamo Trust, Inc. (ATI) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that oversees the daily operations at the Alamo and the implementation of the Alamo Plan. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo stands as the Shrine of Texas Liberty. More than 1.6 million visitors travel to the site each year, making it the #1 most visited destination in the State of Texas. The 300-year history of the Alamo is world-renowned and represents the core of Texas’ identity today. In 1960, the Alamo was designated a United States National Historic Landmark, and in 2015, it became part of the Lone Star State's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness living history, experience authentic artifacts, and explore an iconic landmark that shaped the country. Visit theAlamo.org.

About Remember the Alamo Foundation | The mission of Remember the Alamo Foundation is to provide support exclusively for the Alamo and its preservation, educational outreach, and public programs. We welcome your gift to support these programs and ensure that future generations will Remember the Alamo.