CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Dozens of people gathered at the Customs House Museum for the annual winter fundraiser, Champagne and Chocolate. The museum provided a lively atmosphere in which attendees could mingle and enjoy music, silent auctions, champagne, chocolate, and more.

Champagne and Chocolate, which has been held for 15 years, was “extra special” this year since it coincided with the museum’s 40th anniversary, according to Customs House Executive Director Frank Lott. The annual event generates funds for various exhibit programs, education, children’s programs, and traveling exhibits. “A successful event like this really helps fund all of our programming year-round,” Lott said.

The Museum Guild members at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Darwin Eldridge and Jack and Cornelia Mitchell at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Sam Issacs at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Frank Lott at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Sally Castleman and Lucile Senseney at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Kim Raines, Laura Cagaoan, LaRae Davenport, and Allison Clouser at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Joel Evans and Minoa Uffelman at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Frank Lott and Gregory Player at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Gregory and Brendalyn Player at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Jack and Cornelia Mitchell at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Darwin Eldridge and Jaquis Turner at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Stephen and Julie Lomax at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Stephanie Stafford and Vicki Parker at Champagne & Chocolate at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center on February 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)

Flying High, the museum’s largest annual fundraising event, is hosted in the fall. Lott said it was going to be a big year for the museum and that the Champagne and Chocolate event was fantastic.

For more events like this, check out the Winter Fun Guide or the Clarksville Events calendar.