COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Tibbits’ 36th Annual Auction turned into a record setting fund raiser Saturday night for the historic theatre, grossing nearly $77,000 toward the annual operating budget. The opera house was transformed into the Emerald City of “The Wizard of Oz” and “Wicked” fame as more than 350 guests were greeted by volunteers dressed as characters of the famous literary works and made their bids to support the theatre and its programs. Nearly 500 items were up for silent auction in the art gallery and another 65 were available for the entertaining live auction on stage.
Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney thanked attendees, volunteers and all who support the theatre and reminded the audience of the importance of the evening’s event which represents about ten percent of their annual budget. Dinners and special experiences highlighted the items up for bid and garnered some very generous donations.
The high bid for the evening was $6,000 on a Cadillac DeVille donated by Mary Smith and $4,500 for a complete orthodontic treatment by Dr. Baron Whateley, who offered a second to the alternate bidder.
