Galveston Bay Foundation’s Guardian Gala Raises Over $800,000 to Support Galveston Bay
HOUSTON, Texas – Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) celebrated an extraordinary evening at its 2026 Guardian Gala at The Revaire in Houston, raising more than $800,000 to support GBF’s mission to preserve and protect Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. The evening brought together community leaders, conservation advocates, and longtime supporters to celebrate the people and partnerships making a lasting difference for the Bay.
This year's gala held special significance as GBF celebrated 15 years of its Oyster Shell Recycling Program, an initiative that has transformed discarded oyster shells into valuable resources for restoring oyster reefs throughout Galveston Bay. Over the past 15 years, the program has grown through the dedication of restaurant partners, volunteers, corporate supporters, and community members who recognize the importance of healthy oyster reefs to the Bay's ecosystem.
The evening was emceed by Anthony Yanez of KPRC, with remarks from GBF President Bob Stokes, who reflected on GBF's accomplishments and the incredible community support that makes its work possible. Gala chairs J.P. Fjield-Hansen, a member of GBF's Board of Directors, and his wife, Doreen, helped lead the evening's celebration.
GBF recognized three outstanding honorees whose generosity, leadership, and commitment have made a meaningful impact on Galveston Bay:
Satterfield & Pontikes Construction – Recognized for nearly two decades of partnership and support for GBF. Led by former GBF Board member George Ponikes, the company and its leadership have contributed significant financial support, volunteer service, and expertise, including playing an instrumental role in the construction of The Gessner Center, GBF's new headquarters and education center in Kemah.
Lori Traweek – Honored for her longstanding generosity and hands-on dedication to GBF since 2011. Lori has supported the GBF’s education classrooms and programs across the organization. Her continued involvement, volunteer service, and enthusiasm have made her a valued member of the GBF family.
Coastal Prairie Conservancy – Recognized for its partnership in protecting important coastal habitats and advancing conservation throughout the Galveston Bay watershed. Through its conservation work and collaboration with GBF, Coastal Prairie Conservancy has helped protect thousands of acres of valuable land and natural resources.
"Every year, we are reminded that the work of protecting Galveston Bay is made possible by the generosity and dedication of this community," said Bob Stokes, President of Galveston Bay Foundation. "Raising more than $800,000 in one evening is an incredible accomplishment, and celebrating 15 years of oyster shell recycling makes this year's gala even more special. We are grateful to our honorees, sponsors, and everyone who continues to believe in our mission and invest in the future of Galveston Bay.”
To learn more about Galveston Bay Foundation and its work, visit www.galvbay.org.
Browse photos from the evening here.
About Galveston Bay Foundation
Founded in 1987, Galveston Bay Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. Through habitat restoration, water protection, land conservation, education, advocacy, and research, GBF works to ensure a healthy Bay for all. Learn more at www.galvbay.org.
Media Contact
Kimberly Meza | kmeza@galvbay.org | 281-923-3278
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