Building the Future

While Albert and Ethel Herzstein were exceptionally generous during their lifetimes, they envisioned their estates would leave “footprints” – a lasting legacy – allowing for even larger gifts given in their name. Our Board Members seek to build a future the Herzsteins would be proud of by honoring our donor intent through the support of charitable efforts that enrich the human spirit, contribute to the quality of life in our society, and offer individuals opportunities for advancement.

Houston Zoo

2003, 2006, 2019

Supported the Centennial Campaign for the Houston Zoo, the African Forest Master Plan and naming of the Trading Post, and the Jane Block Children’s Zoo Maintenance Endowment.

The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals to inspire action to save wildlife and is committed to being a leader in the global effort to save animals in the wild. They house over 6,000 animals, providing them with the highest standard in animal care. The Houston Zoo welcomes over two million guests each year and supports 49 wildlife conservation projects in 27 countries around the world. They are the second most visited Zoo in the US, and the most-attended cultural attraction in the region.

Texas Public Policy Foundation

2008-2021

The Texas Public Policy Foundation promotes and defends liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation by educating and affecting policymakers and the Texas public policy debate with academically sound research and outreach.

Chinquapin School

1976-2022

Chinquapin Prep is Texas’s premier private college preparatory boarding school for promising students in grades 6-12 who are financially and academically underserved. The school provides a high-quality college preparatory education to able and motivated youth from low-income families in the greater Houston area.

Alley Theatre

2003-2022

Capital Campaign gift with naming rights at the “Sculptural” level.

The Alley Theatre brings artists and audiences together to experience powerful stories that deepen human understanding. Committed to producing work that is relevant to the Houston community, the organization also supports the resident acting company ideal, produces and supports new work, and continually enhances the quality of its productions.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

1999, 2009, Multi-year

Established and named a temporary exhibit hall, created an endowment to support temporary exhibits, and recognized Sadie Herzstein Smith with a plaque in the museum’s entry lobby.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science receives 2.4 million visitors a year including 600,000 children from area schools. The nation’s fourth most popular museum performs a vital role in the community by preserving and advancing general knowledge of natural science, enhancing individuals’ knowledge and delight, and providing a world class cultural amenity.

San Jacinto Museum of History

1997, Multi-year

Supported complete digitalization of the library and collections.

The San Jacinto Museum of History educates the public and collects and preserves historical materials.  Located near Houston at the San Jacinto Battleground, it is operated by an association dedicated to revisualizing the history of Texas, installing and encouraging historical inquiry, collecting and preserving historical objects, and sharing historical information.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

2006, Multi-year

Established the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall for temporary exhibits and an endowment to support those exhibits.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, located in Austin, recognizes the power of history to inspire present and future generations and seeks to interpret the continually unfolding story of Texas through meaningful educational experiences.

National Jewish Health

2003, 2011, 2013

Supported and named the organization’s pharmacy with additional grants/support which will lead to the naming of the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Oncology Pharmacy.

National Jewish Health is the nation’s only medical center devoted exclusively to researching and treating allergic, respiratory, and immune diseases that affect more than 50 million Americans.  Founded in 1899 in Denver, Colorado to treat underprivileged patients with tuberculosis, the institution is now a prominent provider of patient care, research, and medical education.

Rice University

1997, Multi-year

Created an endowment to operate and maintain the physics building, renamed Albert & Ethel Herzstein Hall.

As a leading research institution committed to undergraduate education, Rice University aspires to provide path-breaking research and unsurpassed teaching while contributing to the betterment of our world. The university cultivates a diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders across the spectrum of human endeavor.

Festival Hill

1986-2021

Founded the installation of the 1883 Edythe Bates Old Chapel from La Grange and the construction of its multi-level celebration patio.

An international center for performance and learning founded in 1971 by the renowned pianist James Dick, the Round Top Festival Institute offers year-round programs. Its unique 210-acre campus contains two concert halls; historic homes; extensive gardens; parks; and a research archive of rare historical books, music, and other objects.