COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Tibbits Opera House has received a $4,100 donation from Men Who Give of Branch County with the funds going toward installation of a monitoring system for the theatre’s fire suppression system.
The donation will cover almost half of the costs which are estimated at over $8,500.
Patrick Kelley of Coldwater, one of the co-founders of Men Who Give, said “I was really alarmed to hear Tibbits didn’t have a monitor system. I’m happy the group decided to support this project. It’s imperative that we protect that building.”
Men Who Give held its first meeting in January in Coldwater. The group is modeled after similar organizations across the country including locally, Women Who Care of Branch County.
The fire suppression system in the theatre uses a dry sprinkler system. In case of fire, the sprinkler system is triggered and fills with water to suppress the fire. Leaks in the sprinkler pipes anywhere in the building can also trigger the system. Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney said it happened earlier this year but it was discovered quickly and the leaks only flooded the men’s restroom and art gallery with minimal damage.
Delaney hopes the work will begin yet this month. Those wishing to contribute to the project fund may call the Tibbits at (517) 278-6029. Online donations may be made at Tibbits.org with “fire suppression” in the description.
