ANNOUNCING THE ROSEMARY AWARD – STATEMENT FROM ROSEMARY KOWALSKI

SAN ANTONIO CULINARY & HOSPITALITY ICON ROSEMARY KOWALSKI TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARD IN HER HONOR AT INAUGURAL THE CELESTIAL AWARDS™

The Rosemary Award Will Be Presented On November 12th At The Celestial Awards™ Show At The Historic Majestic Theatre In Downtown San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO, August 16th, 2024 – Women in Film & Television San Antonio (WIFT SATX+) announced today that “The Rosemary” award named for the San Antonio entrepreneur who is widely respected for defining the City’s iconic catering and hospitality scene, will be presented to Rosemary Kowalski at The Celestial Awards™ on November 12, 2024 at The Majestic Theatre in downtown San Antonio. After receiving her own award, another leading woman currently shaping the local and national culinary and hospitality scene will be recognized.

“I am deeply honored and filled with gratitude to receive “The Rosemary” award for excellence in Culinary Arts & Hospitality,” Rosemary Kowalski said. “Throughout my career, I’ve always believed that ‘Attitude is Everything.’ This recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion, and positive spirit that drives our industry forward. I am excited to see this award inspire others to pursue excellence with the same commitment and enthusiasm that has guided me on my journey.”

Rosemary Kowalski made an indelible mark on San Antonio’s culinary arts and hospitality industry through her founding of The RK Group, which continues to revolutionize catering and event planning with its innovative approach. Her commitment to excellence and community involvement extends beyond her business, as she actively supports numerous charitable causes and educational initiatives. Kowalski’s legacy is celebrated for elevating San Antonio’s culinary scene and fostering a culture of generosity and community engagement.

“It has been my great privilege to work alongside Rosemary for the past six years and, moreover, to be married into the family for 12 years!” Vice President of Corporate Relations Jamie Kowalski said. “I have been able to witness the charm, elegance, and grace that Rosemary exudes daily to everyone she encounters. She is truly the embodiment of hospitality. She has built a culture of excellence in service and attention to detail at The RK Group, which is the backbone of our approach to business and life. “The Rosemary” award is an honor for a lifetime of service and we are greatly appreciative of it.”

“We are honored for the Majestic Theatre to be home to the inaugural Celestial Awards and “The Rosemary” award — named for Rosemary Kowalski. It’s fitting that the community will celebrate these vibrant San Antonio women under the sparkling, starry sky of the Majestic. The stars truly are aligned!” said Emily Smith, General Manager ATG San Antonio Venues: Majestic Theatre, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, The Espee in St. Paul Square, and founding Commissioner of Women in Film & Television San Antonio.

WIFT SATX+ is proudly an official chapter of Women in Film & Television International “WIFTI” (Women in Film & Television International), a global network of more than 12,000 members with 70 partners and chapters located on six continents that for more than 50 years has been dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas and expertise in the Media & Entertainment industry including film, video, journalism, performing arts, live entertainment, law, and more. Women in Film & Television San Antonio was chartered as a nonprofit member-based organization in November 2023 to serve people working in or pursuing a career in the Media & Entertainment industry in San Antonio, the Hill Country, the Coastal Bend, and South Texas, including students, partners, and advocates of the organization.

“I’ve known and been inspired by Rosemary Kowalski for decades. I was introduced to her by another original San Antonio trailblazing leader: Mayor Lila Cockrell. Her inspiring leadership as a woman who built a major culinary and hospitality empire that continues to thrive in her image sets the bar high for women everywhere to follow in her footsteps, no matter their chosen profession. I am so thrilled we have named the inaugural award for Excellence in Culinary Arts & Hospitality “The Rosemary” to help ensure that her legacy will continue through her charitable giving, leadership ethos, and kindness,” said The Celestial Awards™ Executive Producer, and CEO of CESLIE Studios, Ceslie Armstrong.

“The Celestial Awards™ is a landmark event for Women in Film and Television San Antonio (WIFT SATX+), underscoring our commitment to empowering and recognizing women in radio, TV, film, and entertainment. These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of women who are shaping the future of our industry. By honoring their contributions, we inspire future generations to pursue their passions and reach new heights. The introduction of “The Rosemary” award, named after our beloved Rosemary Kowalski, further cements our dedication to recognizing legacy and excellence in our field. Together, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic media landscape in San Antonio and South Texas,” said Callie Hoch, Director of Programming, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Tobin Entertainment, and founding Commissioner of Women in Film & Television San Antonio.

“The Celestial Awards™ are more than just accolades; they are a tribute to our rich cultural heritage and the profound impact women in Texas have on the arts. This event is a thrilling moment for our community, as we unite to celebrate and uplift incredible talent beneath the stars of the historic Majestic Theatre in November. Rosemary’s legacy stands as a beacon of inspiration. Rosemary Kowalski’s presence not only emphasizes the importance of our event but also raises the standards of excellence that WIFT SATX+ aspires to achieve,” said Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace, Executive Director of The Majestic Empire Foundation, Co-Executive Producer of The Celestial Awards™ and founding Commissioner of Women in Film & Television San Antonio.

“The Celestial Awards™ is an important platform to spotlight women in our organization’s charter region while providing an annual original entertainment production where the community we serve can participate and show their support to these well-deserving honorees. We are so fortunate that Rosemary Kowalski recognizes and has blessed “The Rosemary” award that will honor her, and another woman for excellence in Culinary Arts & Hospitality,” said Executive Producer, and Women in Film & Television San Antonio founding Vice President Eileen Kret.

ABOUT WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION SAN ANTONIO

WIFT SATX+ is proudly an official chapter of Women in Film & Television International “WIFTI” (Women in Film & Television International), a global network of more than 12,000 members and 70 partners and chapters located on six continents that for more than 50 years has been dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas and expertise in the Media & Entertainment industry including film, video, journalism, performing arts, live entertainment, business, and more.

Women in Film & Television San Antonio was founded by native San Antonian and Media & Entertainment veteran Ceslie Armstrong on 11/11/23 at the invitation of the global organization.

The Women in Film & Television San Antonio mission and programming are dedicated to promoting equity for women in the Media & Entertainment industry, and the organization offers memberships for all people who want to advocate, align with, and show support. College students from across the state, individuals with an interest in learning about the industry, partner organizations, and corporate members comprise the membership and team. The WIFT SATX+ mission includes building community across the industry while collaborating with other WIFTI chapters and partners globally and organizations in the region we serve.

To learn more about becoming a member, supporter, partner, and the programming slate including The Celestial Awards™, visit WIFTSANANTONIO.ORG or email partners@wiftsanantonio.org

To Contact our CEO Ceslie Armstrong directly: ceslie@ceslie.com

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Media Contact, The Celestial Awards™

Mary Moore: editorial@wifttexas.org