FRENCH TIES: ALICIA BRYAN NAMED NEW PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN FRIENDS OF VERSAILLES ORGANIZATION

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Texas Ties Support New Era Of International Philanthropy

By Sharon King Hoge    Photography courtesy of American Friends of Versailles

Alicia Bryan has been named President of The American Friends of Versailles. A native of San Antonio, she is already planning events to promote Franco-American relations and raise funds to help restore and preserve the historic Château. For the first three days of June 2024, patrons will gather at Versailles for a picnic on the palace grounds and a grand Gala des Fleurs d’Oranger in the Chateau’s giant Indoor “greenhouse” L’Orangerie.

Historic renovation is not new to Bryan, who with her father, J.D. Bryan, restored the Gage Hotel in Marathon, TX, which was voted #1 Hotel in Texas by Condé Nast Traveler. The Bryans are currently involved in the building and design of an additional 50 rooms at the hotel and were instrumental in designing its famous White Buffalo Bar, also known as the “Best Hotel Bar” in the state. Another instance of the Bryan family’s legacy in the state is The Bryan Museum in Galveston.

Alicia Bryan was elected President at the AFV’s annual meeting held this year in October in Chicago. Greeted by AFV Founder and Chairman Emeritus Catharine Hamilton at a reception in the French paneled rooms of her high-rise residence, AFV guests then proceeded to the elegant private Casino Club nearby for a candlelight dinner.

After an early morning private tour of the renowned Impressionist collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, guided by celebrated Curator Gloria Groom, the group progressed to the meeting at the Chicago Racquet Club where Bryan was introduced to international members present and by video livestream.

A luncheon in the Club’s Lounge room concluded the proceedings with members looking forward to joining friends from around the globe at the events next summer in Paris. For more information on the American Friends of Versailles and how you can support it, visit AmericanFriendsOfVersailles.org.