Mardi Gras! Galveston 2023 Honors Rudy & Donna Teichman with George Mitchell Award
GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS (Jan. 18, 2023) – In honor of their contributions to Galveston Island and its annual festival, Mardi Gras! Galveston organizers honor Rudy and Donna Teichman with the George Mitchell Award. An award ceremony and honoree parade, Party Gras!, will take place in the Downtown Entertainment District on Friday, February 10 at 5 p.m. to honor the couple.
“Rudy and Donna Teichman have always been enthusiastic supporters of Galveston from serving on business to civic boards that also helped others grow Galveston,” said Mike Dean, Mardi Gras! Galveston organizer. “They participated in the creation of Mardi Gras Galveston! 40 years ago and have been formative in its continuation and the successful growth of our Galveston community.”
The Teichman family has deep roots on the Island having immigrated from Germany and Italy during Galveston’s historical heyday. The family affirmed its dedication to Galveston by establishing a global tug and salvage business headquartered on the Island.
Rudy led his family and the community with great stature serving on the Galveston City Council, being a member of the Galveston Wharves Board, and many other community organizations. He and his wife Donna served as Island ambassadors throughout their worldly travels. Their significance to Mardi Gras was sealed when they participated in George Mitchell’s efforts to revive the festival in 1983.
Rudy was integral in transporting the first Mardi Gras floats from New Orleans to Galveston via barge. Along with the Mitchell family, Rudy, Donna, and Dancie Ware also launched the return of the Krewe of the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade coordinating costumes, marching bands, and historical notes.
Rudy and Donna led the formation of the Krewe events and as enthusiastic cooks, they hosted the renowned Momus Den Parties for many years, and today that tradition continues with their children. The Teichmans’ daughter, Kelly, was even presented as a Momus duchess in 1988, and Rudy was crowned King Frivolous LXXX of the Knights of Momus during the salute to the Masks of Asia. Their son Kevin still serves on the Board of the Krewe.
“Galveston and Galveston Mardi Gras owe an outstanding debt of gratitude to the Teichman Family led by Rudy and Donna Teichman,” said Dean. “While Rudy passed in 2012, his impact is felt daily by the family business and City as both continue to succeed.”
The George Mitchell award was established to honor Mitchell and other individuals, corporations, foundations, and groups vital to Mardi Gras’ rebirth and preservation. Each year the recipients are honored with a ceremony in front of The Tremont House and names are added to a plaque that hangs in the lobby of The Tremont House. Then the Salute to George P. Mitchell Parade honoring him and the award recipients marks the start of Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities.
The Party Gras! procession begins from The Press Box on 24th & Post Office and ends at The Tremont House for the 2023 award Presentation. For a full schedule of more than 20 Mardi Gras! Galveston parades visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com.