About

The Foundation

Sol and Arlene had a vision for their life together. It was a life founded on the bedrock of their devotion to one another, on the ultimate respect for civic responsibility and on their unshakable Jewish faith. And while they were first known for their success as entrepreneurs in the oil and gasoline industry, their most enduring legacy has been their unwavering devotion to community. Their vision for the future was one that would live on long after they were gone — to build a community that comes together to care for the most vulnerable among us.

Sol Bronstein

1900 - 1972

Sol Bronstein

1900 - 1972

Sol Bronstein was born in Huntington, Indiana, a small town near Fort Wayne. Years later, he met Arlene Braude, his sister's college roommate at Ward-Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee. Sol and Arlene were married in 1933 and built their new life together in Warsaw, Indiana, where they owned and operated gasoline stations.

After selling their Warsaw stations and moving to Evansville in the 1930s, they continued to achieve great success through their many ventures in oil exploration, drilling and refining, which included Southern Independent Oil & Refining Company, Southern Independent Producing Company of Evansville and Laketon Asphalt Refining, Inc. Of Laketon, Indiana. Sol also served as a director of National City Bank, on the Board of Overseers at St. Meinrad Seminary and was active in Washington Avenue Temple, Evansville Museum, Clearcrest Country Club and Masonic Lodge. During his years in Evansville, he became immersed in giving back to his community and was especially devoted to Jewish causes.

Arlene Bronstein

1907 - 1977

Arlene Bronstein

1907 - 1977

In addition to her two years of study at Ward-Belmont, Arlene Bronstein received a teaching degree from Butler University and taught several years in Warsaw before their move to Evansville. She faithfully served alongside her husband in the running of their many oil-related businesses and was elected the first female director of National City Bank in its 123-year history. In addition to her sharp business acumen, Arlene was known as a champion of community: she served on the board of directors of the Evansville Museum for 15 years, Welborn Baptist Hospital Foundation, Mayor's Energy Commission, Public Health Nursing Association and Evansville Petroleum Club. Arlene was a known benefactor of young artists and held a special devotion to causes related to the elderly and aging.

Red Bird

Gas stations

Among Sol and Arlene’s many business ventures were Red Bird gas stations, which the Bronsteins founded after their move to Evansville in the 1930s. These charming stations dotted the landscape of early-to-mid-century southern Indiana. A staple of the community, Red Bird flourished and was eventually sold to a division of Monsanto Chemical Company in 1959. Even though they no longer exist, these gas stations continue to invoke feelings of nostalgia in the hearts of many Evansville natives who remember their friendly Cardinal mascot and affordable gasoline.

The Communities of Solarbron

After Sol's passing in 1972, Arlene continued their mission of unfailing philanthropy until her death in 1977 — it was then that a trust was established to create an innovative retirement community near the University of Southern Indiana: The Communities of Solarbron. (Sol + Arlene + Bronstein) This was an exceptional place where “people of all races and creeds could continue to live and contribute as constructive, responsible citizens.” This community served as the gateway to the establishment of the Bronstein Foundation, which imparts financial gifts and seeks partnerships with organizations within our community that support the Bronsteins' vision of providing exceptional care, compassion, dignity and respect for the aging.

A Lasting Impact

Sol and Arlene’s generosity left an indelible mark on our community. As patrons of the arts, they have permanently invigorated our culture through their support of artists. As defenders of the faith, they have proudly honored their Jewish heritage through their works. And, as advocates of the aging, they have enriched countless lives. They have fed those who are hungry, sheltered those who are homeless and cared for those who are forgotten — but, more importantly, they have established a spirit of generosity that has inspired the next generation of givers.

Pillars

of the Foundation

Jewish Faith

Despite their status in the community, Sol and Arlene were not immune to the antisemitism that permeated the culture of their time. They sought to change perceptions and were especially devoted to Jewish causes, including their local synagogue and the Hebrew Union College.

Elder Care

Improving quality of life and expanding opportunities for the aging was a cause close to Arlene’s heart especially, and the Bronstein Foundation actively pursues partnerships with organizations in the community that help enrich the lives of seniors.

Health

As we seek to expand care for our aging population, we are proud to support their future providers and caregivers through partnerships with Ivy Tech University, University of Evansville, University of Southern Indiana, and Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville.

Philanthropy

Our mission is not only to give abundantly but to inspire others to grow in their humility to serve. Sol and Arlene’s spirit of generosity lives on today through those who help expand our reach and impact as we work together to build a better community.