Bond, James Bond: Tibbits’ Annual Fundraiser Goes Live for Preview
COLDWATER – Tibbits “Bond, James Bond” auction has opened for item preview online with bidding to begin Tues. Nov 1 in the theatre’s 43rd annual fundraiser. The main ticketed event, featuring a reception and live auction, will be held Sat. Nov. 5.
The Ian Fleming-inspired auction features almost 350 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 characters within the Bond films, sections are ‘Moneypenny’ closing Wed. Nov. 2; ‘Q’ closing Thurs. Nov. 3; and ‘M’ closing Fri. Nov. 4. All close at 8 pm. The final section, ‘Felix Leiter’ closes Saturday at 8:30 pm following the live auction. The online registration fee is $5 per person, which also enters bidders into a drawing for a pair of tickets to a Tibbits event in 2023.

The live event on Saturday, Nov. 5 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 ‘Felix Leiter’ items from their phones while socializing. Tickets to the live event are $20 in advance or $25 at the door 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.
A time-honored tradition, Tibbits’ Auction is the social event of the year. According to Christine Delaney, Tibbits Executive Director, “We have a fun theme this year and the community has been very supportive with some fabulous donations. I really think we have something for everyone. We look forward to seeing people at the theatre, but it’s nice to be a part of the auction, online from wherever you are.”
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 movie-themed categories. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER ($1000+) include Ken & Becky Bible; Dr. Matthew Christopher, DDS, PLLC; and Mike & Sue Shirkey. GOLDENEYE ($500+) includes Doug & Sharon Bloom; HaasCaywood PC; James W. Gordon, CPA, P.C.; Jeannie’s Diner; and Union Pallet & Container Co. Inc. CASINO ROYALE ($250+) includes Bronson Banking Center; William & Sharon Chinery; City Glass LLC; Coldwater Lake Marina; David & Carol Coyle; State Representative Andrew Fink; Mark & Janet Ott; Vested Risk Strategies; Willows Bar & Grill; Leon & Evlyn Parrish; Taylor, Plant & Watkins P.C. SKYFALL ($125+) includes Bronson Veterinary Services; Business Impressions, Inc.; Coldwater Noon Club; Doug’s Auto Recyclers; Grand Reflections; Bernie & Becky Stankewicz; and Xi Zeta Gamma. GOLDFINGER ($75+) includes Aviza Insurance Agency, Inc.; Branch County Abstract & Title, Inc.; B&B Electric; Linda & Michael Burke; Coldwater Auto Service; Gross Stabil Corp.; Debbie Lounds; Marble Lake Resort & Marina; Quincy Ace Hardware. Additional cash support is provided by Denning Glass and Marvin & Betty Malovey.
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 still 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 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. 8.