The fourth annual Night At The Museum Gala will honor the late Dale Gaebler, founding member of the Poplar Bluff Museum, with a Hawaiian luau on Saturday at the Old Mark Twain School Building on Main Street. The gala begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 each and will be available at the door.
Museum board member Emily Thurman said the gala is an opportunity to celebrate Gaebler's contributions to the Museum while raising money for future endeavors.
"The Poplar Bluff Museum Board suffered a tremendous loss this year...," Thurman said. "We decided to dedicate (the gala) to Dale because he was a founding board member, president of our board, and we felt like we needed to do something for him."
At 8 p.m., a plaque to be hung inside the museum will be presented to Gaebler's family and the facility's current Poplar Bluff People Room will be renamed The Dale Gaebler Poplar Bluff People Room.
In accordance with the theme, dinner is to be a traditional Hawaiian buffet featuring roasted pig with sides, and beverages from Luecke Distributing will be available. Gun and commemorative brick raffles, a silent auction with items donated by local businesses, and entertainment provided by Nashville recording artist Travis Marvin will fill the evening.
Museum board recording secretary Kati Ray said the event is "a lot of fun," and that the gala is the museum's largest fundraiser of the year. Ray said the museum relies solely on community support to continue and to grow, as it is a non-profit organization.
With the funds earned from last year's benefit, Ray said, the museum board remodeled the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame, added an additional first floor restroom, and enhanced the 1927 tornado display.
Ray added that while guests are encouraged to dress with the theme, it is not required. She said there will be a photo booth with props, self-guided museum tours, and more to keep guests entertained throughout the night.
To purchase tickets in advance, call Thurman at (573) 718-7101.