COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Tibbits Opera House received a huge financial boost Saturday night, as the Tibbits’ 38th Annual Auction grossed over $63,000 for the historic theatre’s annual operating budget.
Dinners and special experiences highlighted the items up for bid and garnered some very generous donations. High bids for the evening came from a complete orthodontic treatment from Dr. Baron Whateley and Coldwater Orthodontics, two separate dinners donated by Kathy and Rick Merrill, as well as several lavish trips. This year’s Barton S. Tibbits Sponsorship was purchased by Norma Geishert, Remus and Donna Rigg, Betty Shank and Judy Jenkins for $6,000.
The theme of this year’s auction was “Tibbits Olde West”, with the opera house decorated in an olde west theme. More than 350 guests were greeted by volunteers dressed in western garb.
Over 600 items were up for silent auction in the art gallery and another 60 were available for the entertaining live auction on stage led by Darren Spieth and Dan Satow, owners of Norton Auctioneers and Spieth & Satow Auctioneers.
Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney said “This event represents about ten percent of our annual budget.” She added, “This great event is the culmination of the efforts of so many volunteers and donations from so many local businesses that believe in Tibbits’ mission and the value that it has to our community. I am humbled by, and grateful for the support and generosity of our community.”
This year’s auction committee included Marisue Taylor, Vena Wade, Kaylin Case, Mary Gail Stevens and Samantha Welch. In addition to these, nearly 100 volunteers helped make the event a success by gathering donations, decorating the theatre, selling raffle tickets or working the night of the event.
