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Two Names Synonymous with San Antonio Create Unrivaled Event Experience San Antonio- A relationship with a 45-year history of success takes a step forward with an exciting new chapter. The Witte Museum is pleased to announce the RK Group as its catering partner at the Mays Family Center for special exhibitions and events as well as the Zachry Family Acequia Garden, with both scheduled to open May 2016. This premiere, 10,000-squarefoot venue is designed to host a spectacular and unprecedented array of special exhibitions and events during San Antonio’s summers with the space utilized for premier galas, weddings, convention business and other events the rest of a calendar year from October through April. “The Witte Museum is proud to partner with the RK Group and further the vision of a worldclass museum. These venues are key elements of the Witte’s business plan and this space enables the Witte to provide the highest level of programming and exhibitions in the country,” said Marise McDermott, President and CEO of the Witte Museum. “The Witte, as the People’s Museum, is extremely proud to give the people of South Texas this unique and gorgeous space on the banks of the San Antonio River in Brackenridge Park.” The business relationship between the Witte Museum and the RK Group spans 45 years, when the founder of the RK Group and its Chairman Emeritus, Rosemary Kowalski, helped create the museum’s signature fundraiser, Witte Game Dinner. She took all the wild game stored by museum donors and members at the Broadway Locker and used their meat as the star attraction of the event. Forty-five years later, the Witte Game Dinner, in October, set a record with 1,700 attendees raising $668,000 for museum programming. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance our long-standing relationship with the Witte,” said Greg Kowalski, President and CEO of The RK Group. “This announcement underscores our commitment to create memorable experiences. The Mays Family Center offers guests an unrivaled setting for a wide range of events, and The RK Group looks forward to showcasing our unparalleled capabilities in such a beautiful and distinctive venue.” The first exhibition inside the Mays Center, Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, runs from May 14September 5, 2016 and is projected to attract more 200,000 visitors. In October 2016, after the end of the inaugural exhibition in the Mays Center, the space opens for select bookings.
R.K. Group Partnership, Page 2
About the Witte Museum: Founded in 1926, the Witte Museum is located on the banks of the San Antonio River in Brackenridge Park and is San Antonio’s premier museum promoting lifelong learning through innovative exhibition, programs and collections in natural history, science and South Texas heritage. The Witte Museum serves 350,000 visitors a year, including 150,000 school-aged children and 80,000 who attend during Free Tuesdays. About The RK Group (therkgroup.com): The RK Group is an award winning, industry-leading hospitality and culinary service management company operating the nation’s most distinguished event centers, museums, restaurants, hotels and convention centers. Their breadth of services includes a single, cost-efficient solution for all catering, event production, design, and management. The RK Group is privately held and diversified through their wholly owned signature companies: Rosemary’s Catering; Illusions Rentals and Decor; The RK Design Studio; Circa Destination Management (DMC); Flair Floral; and restaurants Radio Milano, Milano Bar, Capitol Grill, and The Story of Texas Cafe.
Media Contacts Katye Brought, CTA Communications Manager 210.357.1876 KatyeBrought@WitteMuseum.org Jessica Zapatero VP of MarCom 210.223.2680 ext. 322 JZapatero@TheRKGroup.com
Mays Family Center Contacts
Kim Biffle Vice President of External Affairs The Witte Museum 210.357.1860 KimBiffle@WitteMuseum.org Marian McGrath Account Executive at the Mays Family Center The RK Group 210.223.2680 MMcGrath@TheRKGroup.com