The Bronstein
Timeline
It all started with two people who built one beautiful life rooted in all the right things.
1900
August 29, 1900
Sol Bronstein is Born
1907
January 31, 1907
Arlene Braude is Born
1933
Sol & Arlene are Married
Sol and Arlene meet through Sol's sister, who was Arlene's college roommate at Ward-Belmont College. They married and began their life together in Warsaw, Indiana.
mid1930s
Move to Evansville
mid1930s
Red Bird Gas Stations are Founded
Sol and Arlene establish Red Bird Gas Stations in Southern Indiana. The gas stations are eventually sold to a division of Monsanto Chemical Company in 1959.
1930s
1970s
1970s
Success in the Oil Business
Sol and Arlene build their empire in oil exploration, drilling and refining, establishing Southern Independent Oil and Refining Company and Southern Independent Producing Company of Evansville and Laketon Asphalt Refining, Inc. of Laketon, Indiana.
1940s
on
on
A Legacy of Giving
Sol and Arlene become deeply rooted in philanthropy, serving organizations including Hebrew Union College, Washington Avenue Temple, Welborn Baptist Hospital Foundation, Mayor's Energy Commission, Public Health Nursing Association, Evansville Petroleum Club and serving on the Board of Overseers at St. Meinrad Seminary and Board of Directors of the Evansville Museum.
1972
December 29, 1972
Sol Bronstein Dies
Upon Sol's death, a trust is established in his name, designated for Jewish education, temple support and Jewish welfare funds, as well as local not-for-profits that care for the vulnerable and underserved.
1977
NOVEMBER 30, 1977
Arlene Bronstein Dies
After her passing, a trust is established in Arlene's name, designated in support of causes related to the well-being and enrichment of the aging.
1985
Communities of Solarbron Established
This innovative senior and assisted-living facility is founded to fulfill Arlene's vision of elevated care options for seniors in our communities.
2014
Bronstein Foundation Is Established
Following the sale of Solabron to CarDon in 2014, the Bronstein Foundation is established.
2014
Bronstein Foundation Endows First Gift
The Easterseals of Southwestern Indiana, which serves those with disabilities, receives the first gift from the Bronstein Foundation.
2016
$2 Million Gift to IU School of Medicine Evansville
This gift establishes the Sol and Arlene Bronstein Chair in Geriatric Medicine, which is the first endowed chair and serves as a springboard for future endowed chairs at the school.
2017
Gift to Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
$50,000 gift to improve accessibility to the historic carousel at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, allowing more grandparents to enjoy the experience with their grandchildren.
2020
Gift to YMCA of Southwestern Indiana
$250,000 gift to YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, (which is doubled through a matching gift) is used to help facilitate a new downtown location and provide support for rehabilitation services.
2021
Bronstein Clinic at Forefront Therapy Opens its Doors
This gift makes possible the establishment of The Bronstein Clinic, which provides therapy and care that improves quality of life for aging adults.
2021
Gift to Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana
$50,000 gift to help install an elevator, making the Rooftop Art Deck fully accessible to all.
2022
$1 Million Gift to University of Southern Indiana
This gift expands programs of excellence in dementia care and advance care planning education at the Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness.
2022
Partnership with SWIRCA & More
This gift helps provide expanded enrichment opportunities for seniors, including monthly lunch-and-learn events at the Evansville Wartime Museum.
2022
Partnership with Tri-State Food Bank
This gift provides assistance with their Senior Hunger Initiative, which helps combat senior food insecurity by distributing monthly grocery bags filled with nutritious foods and fresh produce.
2022
Gifts to Local Universities
Gifts of $500,000 to each of the three local universities: Ivy Tech, University of Evansville, and University of Southern Indiana are designed to help mitigate the decline of healthcare workers in our region by providing scholarships and expanding educational opportunities.