Lark Theater Awards First Annual 'Larkie' to Tina McArthur

Tina McArthur, President of the Lark Theater Board of Directors, has had such an impact on the nonprofit film center that she inspired an annual honor.

“We kind of created an award,” said Executive Director Ellie Mednick. “We needed to because she’s so wonderful.”

McArthur was the first recipient of the “Larkie,” which will be given annually to someone performing outstanding volunteer work and extraordinary service.

“Tina was so eminently perfect for that role,” Mednick said. “She’s worked tirelessly for the benefit of the theater.

McArthur has been involved with the Lark Theater since she and other volunteers worked with the late Bernice Baeza to restore the closed and rundown venue in 2004. One of the original investors, she has served as President of the Board of Directors since the Lark’s purchase was financed and it received nonprofit status in 2007. Under her guidance, the Board is working toward full ownership.

"Larkspur and Marin would not be the same without this incredible cross-generational community icon,” McArthur said when accepting the award. “I am honored to be part of this unique theater.”

She has also served on the Board of the Marin Theatre Company for 13 years, and previously served on the Board of the Ritter Center for 9 years. McArthur and her husband Richard Rubenstein have lived in Larkspur since 1985, and she has been selling residential real estate in Marin since 1991 with Pacific Union.

In fact, the staff recently moved its offices from a cramped cubbyhole by the projection booth into a much needed space at 21 Ward Street.

“We’ve been on the hunt for a long time,” Mednick said. “Tina, as a realtor, actually found the space. She keeps coming through in many different ways. She makes things happen."