Auction at the Opera House, Tibbits’ Annual Fundraiser Goes Live for Preview
COLDWATER – Tibbits “Auction at the Opera House” has opened for item preview online with bidding to begin Tues. Nov 2 in the theatre’s 42nd annual fundraiser. The main event, a ticketed reception and live auction, will be held Sat. Nov. 6.
The Phantom-inspired masquerade features nearly 450 items, mostly online. Participants can bid from the comfort of their homes any time of day. Items are broken into sections with staggered daily closings. In honor of the musical, sections are ‘Rehearsal’ closing Wed. Nov. 3; ‘Dressing Room’ closing Thurs. Nov. 4; and ‘Backstage’ closing Fri. Nov. 5. All close at 8 pm. The final section, ‘Labyrinth’ closes Saturday at 8:30 pm following the live auction. The registration fee is $5 per person, which also enters bidders into a drawing for a pair of tickets to a Tibbits event in 2022.
A time-honored tradition, Tibbits’ Auction is the social event of the year. According to Tibbits Development Director Andrew French, “We continue to evolve and make this important fundraiser a creative and exciting way to support the theatre and all she does for this community.” French adds, “The beauty of the online event is it opens participation to more people including our supporters across the country.”
The live event begins at 6 pm with a reception in the Tibbits Art Gallery with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and live music. The live auction, with Spieth & Satow Auctioneers & Appraisers, begins at 7 pm. Following the live action, guests may continue bidding on the Labyrinth items from their phones while socializing to music by Randall Hazelbaker. Limited tickets to the live event are $20 and currently available at Tibbits.org. Organizers stress those unable to attend may call the office during the week to arrange proxy bids on the live items.
In addition to all of the support from businesses and individuals who have donated items and services to the auction, many donors have given their support through cash donations. Sponsors were designated by character-themed categories. Phantom ($1000) include Dr. Matthew Christopher, DDS and Ken & Becky Bible. Christine the Ingénue ($500) include HaasCaywood PC, James W. Gordon, CPA, and Jeannie’s Diner. Raoul the Viscount ($250-$300) include Taylor, Plant & Watkins P.C., William & Sharon Chinery, City Glass, David & Carol Coyle, Michael & Linda Burke, Senator Mike Shirkey and Vested Risk Strategies. Auctioneer ($125) include Aviza Insurance Agency, Inc., Branch Insurance Agency, Inc., Bronson Banking Center, Bronson Veterinary Services, Business Impressions, Inc., Doug’s Auto Recyclers, and Xi Zeta Gamma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Carlotta the Prima Donna ($75) include Blue Ox Credit Union, Branch County Abstract & Title, Inc., Broadway Grille-Coldwater, Coldwater Auto Service, Donna Gardner, Laureate Xi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Leon & Evlyn Parrish, Marble Lake Resort & Marina, and VIP Auto Body.
This year’s event once again features a large raffle sponsored by Great Lakes Chiropractic. Prizes are $1000, $250, and Tibbits Summer Theatre season tickets. Only 500 tickets will be sold and are available for $10 each.
To register and preview items, click on the auction banner at the top of the page at Tibbits.org. Tibbits staff and trained volunteers will be available in advance and throughout the week of the auction to assist patrons with registration, bidding, taking proxy bids for the live items or any other auction needs. To arrange assistance, call 517.278.6029.
All sales and item pick up will be handled in the art gallery starting Tues. Nov. 9.