ArtReach 40th Anniversary Kickoff party

The home of the generous host & hostess

For most people the week after Thanksgiving carries a lingering, I’m over-the-turkey state of mind. It’s easy to think about what should be done. The waiting-to-be-organized-ambitious thoughts of Christmas are swirling through our heads and we’re thinking it’s still a few weeks away, there’s plenty of time. Of course, there is no time, and the holidays are breathing down our necks. That’s why it was such a treat to attend the kickoff party for ArtReach. Regardless of one’s decorating skills, this home was a glittering winter wonderland that filled the wide-eyed guests with awe. Literally. Kevin and Mary McNicholas’s home in Englewood was decorated, inside and out comparable only to a movie set or the grounds of a grand hotel. It was a beautiful backdrop for ushering in the holiday season. For all who came to the party, the holidays began on December 2, 2013.

In celebration of ArtReach’s 40th anniversary event, which will be held March 22, 2014, at Wings Over the Rockies, this December evening kicked off the holidays as well as preparations for the widely anticipated “Forty & Fabulous” gala. Local artists arrived with their first time art donation, or perhaps, it was their 40th art donation. Supporters came to preview a spattering of art, meet the artists, thank the sponsors and, to learn details of this year’s Forty & Fabulous gala. Tickets purchased this night were discounted. A flurry of credit card transactions worked over time. Everyone, no doubt, was most delighted to see the sparkling, magical home of the McNicholas’s.

Two announcements were made during the party regarding volunteer recognition. Susan France learned she was the recipient of the 2013 Art Star Award and Eric Matelski received the Special Event Volunteer, Ginger Merelli award for his work with ArtReach and his tireless efforts supporting and working with the Dine & D’Art event.

With the season’s music wafting through the 100 plus crowd inside the home, few could resist walking around the lovely, intoxicating, fairytale grounds of the hosts. It was a perfect evening to celebrate and bring on the holidays as well as make preparations for the 40th Anniversary of ArtReach and the “Forty & Fabulous” fundraising gala.

ArtReach’s mission is to “change lives through the arts” by providing access to arts and cultural experiences for underserved and at-risk people of all ages. To purchase tickets for the March 22, 2013, “Forty & Fabulous Gala” please call 303-433-2882 for information or go to the website www.artreachdenver.org