Many years ago, it was customary and in vogue for people to have two martinis with lunch. Those days are long past, but the days of attending a fabulous martini party with wonderful friends is always in fashion, which is exactly what a hundred-plus people did recently.

During the Morris Graves Museum’s annual Destination Art fundraiser, attendees Betty Osborne, Stephen MacPherson, Robert and Brenna Goodman, and Jim and Gay Morrison were part of the lucky few who were able to purchase tickets for the Martini Party hosted by Rob and Cherie Arkley at their beautiful Eureka home on Friday, March 7, with all proceeds to benefit the museum. Excited and eager partygoers began arriving promptly at 7 p.m., and were graciously greeted at the door by their hosts.

Museum patrons JoAnn and Rory Hanson, Karen Childers, Corky and Ann Cornwell, Augie and Shirley Rocha, Linda and Bill Rush, Karen Childers, Lynda Pozel and Jack Hopkins enjoyed chatting with friends and spending time in the spectacular wine cellar.

An added benefit for the evening’s attendees was having an opportunity to be in the company of local artistic treasures such as Mel Schuler, Stock and Rachel Schlueter, Floyd Bettiga, Nancy Flemming, Kathrin Burleson, Julia Bednar, Delores Terry and Cathy Ray Pierson.

Floyd Bettiga made the party a family event by attending with nephew and former NFL player Mike Bettiga. Museum President Sally Arnot looked radiant on the arm of husband Phil.

Bartenders Tim Flemming and Reed Skipuny kept the glasses of attendees Judi and Sal Pollace, Ed Oliver, Chuck and Robyn Petrusha, Eris McCarthy, Michael Burleson, Hank Pierson, Mark Staniland, Marsha and Richard Daly, Anita Rest, Garr Nielsen, Adena Bohn, Mari Lou and Mike Renner full while elegantly attired waiters circulated the room with a wonderful selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres, including gourmet pizzas, stuffed mushrooms, roast beef, and a variety of cheeses and fruit expertly catered by Avalon Restaurant.

Huge congratulations and thanks to Rob and Cherie Arkley for hosting a terrific party and for their continued support of the arts, as well as of the community as a whole.

The Morris Graves Museum continues to stand as a beacon of light in the community. According to www.shopformuseums.com, “The former Carnegie Library had been a symbol of community pride and local culture for over 100 years. After the successful Carnegie Capital Campaign to raise $1.5 million from the local community, foundations and corporations, the Council began the restoration process in 1999 to convert the historic Carnegie building in to a regional art museum and art center.”

Because of all of the hard work and support, we all benefit from having a beautiful museum that we can take pride in. I strongly recommend that local residents visit and support the museum.

The Eureka Reporter is a member of the Security National family of entities owned by Rob and Cherie Arkley.