The 1724 Gala: A Monumental Step Forward for the Alamo's Historic Preservation and Visitor Enhancement

The Alamo is excited to share the outstanding achievements of the 1724 Gala, an event that celebrated the 300th anniversary of the Alamo's establishment in 1724 and marked the official launch of the Remember the Alamo Foundation's (RTAF) "Campaign to Remember. Held on the historic grounds of the Alamo on Texas Independence Day, March 2, 2024, the 1724 Gala was attended by 900 enthusiastic supporters who contributed to a remarkable fundraising total of over $5 million. These funds significantly propelled the RTAF campaign past the $60 million threshold toward its ambitious $150 million goal, supporting the Alamo Plan—a $550 million redevelopment initiative aimed at preserving the Alamo's historic Church and Long Barrack, enhancing the visitor experience, and promoting educational programs through the Texas Cavaliers Education Center. 

We wish to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to all our sponsors for making the 1724 Gala a resounding success, especially acknowledging the event, presented by Valerie & Jack Guenther, Abigail & George Kampmann, and Lindsay & Jack Guenther, Jr.

Special thanks are also extended to our Gala Chairs, Lauren Kate and Peter J. Holt, for their leadership and commitment to excellence. Their contributions played a pivotal role in the evening's achievements.

The gala served as both a fundraiser and a heartfelt tribute to the Shrine of Texas Liberty's enduring significance, with attendees invited to immerse themselves in the history and achievements of the Alamo through an overview of the gathering and an impressive evening drone show. This event underscored the Alamo's 300-year legacy and highlighted the community's dedication to preserving this iconic Texas landmark.

In a significant boost to these efforts, the State of Texas, during its last legislative session, graciously passed a historic $400 million appropriation for the Alamo Plan, thanks to the tireless advocacy of Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Texas General Land Office Commissioner Dr. Dawn Buckingham. Their instrumental work in securing this funding within the state legislature underscores the critical importance of the Alamo to our state's rich heritage. We were honored to have both Lt. Governor Patrick and Commissioner Buckingham attend the 1724 Gala, extending our gratitude for their continued support and their pivotal roles in this historic appropriation in 2023.

Thanks to the success of the Campaign to Remember, reaching a milestone of $60 million, and the generous $400 million state appropriation, the total funds secured for the Alamo Plan now amount to $460 million. This substantial progress is a significant step toward fully realizing the vision for the Alamo Historic District, ensuring that the Alamo remains a beacon for future generations. This comprehensive redevelopment effort is dedicated to the preservation of the site, the enhancement of the visitor experience, and the expansion of educational initiatives, particularly through the establishment of the Texas Cavaliers Education Center.

Dr. Kate Rogers, Executive Director of the Alamo Trust, Inc., expressed deep appreciation for the community's support: "The incredible generosity and passion of our sponsors, elected officials, and supporters at the 1724 Gala, as we commemorated the Alamo's tricentennial and the strides made in the 'Campaign to Remember,' are truly inspiring. The contributions raised, alongside the significant state funding, are essential for the preservation and enhancement of this cherished landmark. We are immensely grateful for every contribution that propels us toward our goal, ensuring the Alamo's legacy continues to inspire both current and future generations."

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Alamo Trust, Inc. (ATI) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that oversees the daily operations at the Alamo and implementation of the Alamo Plan. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo stands as a Shrine to Texas Liberty. The Alamo tells the story of Texas Independence as part of its rich and diverse 300-year history to over 1.6 million visitors every year and is the #1 most visited destination in the State of Texas. 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.