Each time Sarah Frances Hawes was in Houston, she would try to set aside time to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. A resident of Port Arthur, Sarah was formerly a teacher and later a technical editor, with a passion for literature, gardening, and animals. As a member of the Museum for over 30 years, Sarah loved silver, jewelry, and ceramics, but found the most joy while in the gardens of Bayou Bend.

After Sarah passed away in 2022, the Museum received a letter from her lawyer in East Texas stating that she had named the Museum as a beneficiary of her estate. While Sarah lived modestly, she made smart investment decisions and was able to leave a generous bequest. In her will, Sarah left 10% of the residuary of her estate to the Museum, with the rest of the estate going to other charities. The gift was not earmarked for a specific purpose, so together with Sarah's executor, the Museum worked to pay tribute to what Sarah loved the most. Sarah's niece, Lisa, said that there were few places Sarah loved more than the gardens of Bayou Bend. A gift to preserve the banks Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens seemed like a natural fit. Sarah's forward-thinking gift allowed Bayou Bend to implement drainage infrastructure to ensure the gardens are preserved for future generations.