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Tibbits Seeking Donations for Annual Auction in November

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COLDWATER – Tibbits 41st Annual Auction, Clue! The Game is On! steps off the game board into the opera house and asks attendees to join game night for Tibbits’ largest fundraiser of the year, which will feature five days of online silent and live auctions in November.

A time-honored tradition, Tibbits Auction is the social event of the year, and organizers expect it to be again this year, even if the auction is online.  Plans for the auction with its Clue theme are underway and volunteers and staff are busy collecting the donations needed to make the event a success.

The classic board game has players solving a mystery to discover which character committed the crime, in which room, with which weapon: Professor Plum did it, in the ballroom, with the candlestick. In Tibbits’ case, Professor Plum did it, with the winning bid, for the opera house!

Businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate. Donations can be goods, services or monetary donations. Past items have included art, baskets, fine jewelry, get-away packages, gift certificates, home décor, tools, equipment, crafts, holiday items, family experiences, sports and theatre tickets, dinners, parties, and other special events.

Cash sponsorships are also needed and will be broken into five categories:  Game Board, $1000+; Secret Passageway, $500-999; Rooms, $250-499; Characters, $125-249; and Weapon $75-124.

2019 Tibbits auction volunteers and staff dressed as chimney sweeps and various Mary Poppins characters for “A Spoonful of Sugar.” This year’s auction, “Clue! The Game is On!” will feature five days of online silent and live auctions from Nov 3-Nov 7, 2020.

According to Andy French, Tibbits Development Director, “This year’s Annual Auction will become another unique one-of-a-kind event in true Tibbits fashion combining in-person, phone, web bidding and live-streaming opportunities with multiple times to enjoy the fun!”

“Clue! The Game is On!” will feature bidding online. The silent auction will be divided into sections – Scarlet, Mustard, and Plum – in honor of the game characters. Bidding for each section will close on consecutive days, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The live auction will be a streamed event. Bidding during the live event will also be online, by phone, and through prior arrangement. All the items will be available to view online. In-person viewings are available by scheduling a time the week of Nov. 3 in socially-distanced groups at the historic Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, MI.

According to French, “We encourage everyone to register early and they can start viewing the items as they come in starting October 1. We’ll have all auction items displayed at the theatre starting Tuesday, November 3 for people to come in by appointment. That’s also when bidding begins for everything except the live items.”

The registration fee is $5 per person, which also enters them into a drawing for a pair of tickets to a Tibbits event in 2021. Item photos will be available on the special auction website starting Oct 1 with an item list available at Tibbits.org. Sites will be updated weekly as donations arrive.

Tibbits staff and trained volunteers will be available in advance and throughout the item viewing appointments to assist patrons with registration, bidding, or any other auction needs.

Bidding for the live auction will start at the live-streaming event Sat. Nov. 7 at 7pm. Those who are unable to attend the live auction can call the office in advance to set up a maximum bid.

This year’s event also features a large raffle sponsored by Great Lakes Chiropractic. Prizes are $1000, $250, and Tibbits Summer Theatre season tickets and raffle tickets are available for $10.

To donate to the Tibbits Annual Auction, drop items off Monday through Friday 9-5 at the Tibbits administrative office, 93 W. Chicago Street, Coldwater, or call 517.278.6029 to arrange for pick up. Donation deadline is Oct. 16. Donations must be new, vintage, or gently used in clean condition.

For more information on the Tibbits 41st Annual Auction, visit www.Tibbits.org or call Tibbits at 517.278.6029.

Donations Needed for “Spoonful of Sugar” Fun at Tibbits’ 40th Annual Auction!

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COLDWATER – Embrace the magical world of Mary Poppins and join in on the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious fun with Tibbits’ 40th Annual Auction, “A Spoonful of Sugar” Saturday, November 2, 2019.

Plans for the auction with its Mary Poppins theme are underway and volunteers and staff are busy collecting the donations needed to make the event a success. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate. Donations can be goods, services or monetary donations. Past items have included art, baskets, fine jewelry, get-away packages, gift certificates, home décor, garden tools, equipment, crafts, holiday items, sports and theatre tickets, dinners, parties, and other special events. Donations of wine are also accepted for the “The Most Delightful Medicine Wine Pull.”

Cash donations are also needed and will be broken into four categories:  The Chimney Sweeps: $600 and over, The Lamp Lighters: $300 and over, The Carousel Horses: $100 and over, and The Bankers: $50 and over.

Tibbits auction has become a community tradition recognized for the fun and social atmosphere. It features unique items both in the silent auction in the lower level art gallery and in the live auction on stage. The entire theatre is decorated in the theme with costumed volunteers, beverages at the Ghost Light Bar, and hearty hors d’oeuvres provided by Tasteful Kreations. Attendees are also encouraged to dress in the theme.

“A Spoonful of Sugar” will be held at the historic Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, MI. Admission to the auction is $5 per person, with that fee credited towards any silent or live auction purchases, excluding wine and raffle purchases. The silent auction will start at 6 pm and the live auction at 8 pm. This year’s event also features a 50/50 raffle and a $1,000 cash raffle, sponsored by Great Lakes Chiropractic.

To donate to the Tibbits Annual Auction, drop your items off Monday through Friday 9-5 at the Tibbits administrative office, 93 W. Chicago Street, Coldwater, or call Angie at 517.278.6029 to arrange for a volunteer to pick it up. Donation deadline is Oct. 18. Donations must be new, vintage, or gently used in clean condition.

For more information on the Tibbits 40th Annual Auction, visit www.Tibbits.org or call Tibbits at 517.278.6029.

2018 Auction Volunteers
2018 Tibbits auction volunteers and staff flashed back to the 50s with “Tibbits at the Hop.” Embrace the magical world of Mary Poppins and join in on the 40th annual auction at 6pm at Tibbits Opera House, Saturday, November 2, 2019.

Mary Smith to Donate her Cadillac Deville to Tibbits Auction

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Contact: Sarah at 517-278-6029, restoration@Tibbits.org

COLDWATER – Mary Smith, long time Tibbits patron and friend has donated her other “Jewel,” a 1999 Cadillac Deville to the Tibbits Auction, “In the Emerald City” taking place on Saturday, November 7, 2015.

Smith, who just turned 100 last June, has decided it is time to turn in the keys. She hopes the Cadillac garners money for the benefit of the Tibbits while simultaneously finding a new owner for her beloved vehicle. The Pearl White, 1999 Cadillac has a 4.6 liter V8 Engine, 47, 389 miles and maintains a pristine leather interior.

Bidders will have the opportunity to look at the car during the evening of the Auction. “Our car salesman, Lloyd Walrack will give all an opportunity to check out the vehicle between the hours of 6pm – 8pm in front of the theatre,” says Sarah Zimmer, Special Events Development Director. Bidding will take place on the live auction stage, beginning at 8pm.

Executive Director, Christine Delaney states, “Tibbits has been so blessed to have Mary as a supporter and patron. Her generosity continues to amaze.” Smith played a significant role in the restoration of the theatre, including the handicap accessible restroom which bears her name. She has also assisted with general operation expenses over the years.

The 36th annual auction opens its doors to the public at 6pm on Saturday, November 7. Silent Auction opens at 6pm. Live Auction begins at 8pm. Besides the 100s of items and services up for bid, guests will encounter raffles, a wine pull, a photo booth, by Feature Photobooth, LLC, hors d’oeuvres prepared by the BACC students and more.

Mary Smith in her donated Cadillac

Mary Smith in front of Tibbits Opera House with her Cadillac

Mary Smith in front of Tibbits Opera House with her Cadillac
Mary Smith in front of Tibbits Opera House with her Cadillac

Tibbits Auction Results

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COLDWATER –Tibbits Took Flight in a big way Saturday night as more than 350 guests bid their way to one of the highest grossing fundraisers for the historic theatre, raising nearly $70,000 in Tibbits Opera House’s 35th Annual Auction.

Guests were greeted by a sharply dressed flight crew who provided first class treatment and entertainment.  With travel posters, luggage and props commemorating military and civilian flight, the theme was carried throughout the entire theatre.  Nearly 500 items were up for silent auction on the lower flight deck, previously known as the art gallery. Guests boarded the aircraft of Tibbits Airway for an entertaining live auction from stage led by Darren Spieth and Dan Satow, owners of Norton Auctioneers and Spieth & Satow Auctioneers.

Branch Area Career Center Culinary Arts students provided food representing world travels and the evening’s festivities included raffles, a photo booth and souvenir wine glasses with the Tibbits Takes Flight logo. The live auction even included the customary airline message for safe flight and a game with giveaway baggage to warm up the crowd.

Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney thanked attendees, volunteers and all who support the theatre.  According to Delaney, “Last year Tibbits was busy 227 days and this year will be even higher as more people are discovering this beautiful theatre.” She explained, “All the wonderful programming that goes on in the theatre only covers the costs of the programs themselves. Keeping the building going, the maintenance, staff, lights and the immense heating bill we had last year, are covered by membership and events like this auction.” She encouraged the audience to remember as they bid “it’s for a great cause—this building and the arts it provides.”

Dinners and special experiences highlighted the items up for bid and garnered some very generous donations. High bids for the evening came on the Barton S. Tibbits sponsorship, a shopping experience at Kiess Jewelry, a complete orthodontic treatment for which donor Dr. Baron Whateley offered a second to the alternate bidder. Other top items were two separate dinners donated by Kathy and Rick Merrill and another offered by JR and Jennifer Colbeck. These donors also offered second items to the alternate bidders.

Tibbits Special Events/Development Director Sarah Zimmer said, “I am grateful for everyone who helped make this event such a success—the volunteers who put in tremendous hours, as well as all the donors and bidders. The generosity of this community and their support of Tibbits is inspiring.”

This year’s auction committee under Zimmer’s leadership included Christine Lewis, Teri Dobson, Lori Groholski, Leon Kriser, Linda Lintner, Candace Newkirk, Marilyn Ostrander, Samantha Satow, Vena Wade, and Sheila Walrack. Office volunteers included Jesse Martinez, Darene Sargent and Marisue Taylor. 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.

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Auction hosts
Christine Lewis and Dave Winn served as hosts for the “Tibbits Takes Flight” Auction.

Auction Crew
Tibbits Auction crew posed outside the theatre before taking flight for an exciting evening Saturday night. Left to right: back row— Dave Winn, Lori Grohalski , Karen Griffith, Linda Lintner, Teri Dobson, Marilyn Ostrander, Vena Wade; middle row—Sarah Zimmer, Christine Lewis, Paula Adams, Vicki Manning, Erin Wahsburn; front row— Larry Ostrander, Mary Gail Steven, Stephanie Burdick and Christine Delaney.

Auction S. Burdick
Darin Spieth led the live auction from stage with Christine Lewis and Dave Winn (left) serving as hosts, Larry Ostrander piloting from the background and Stephanie Burdick displaying a copy of her Tibbits History up for auction.

Tibbits PR: Tibbits Auction Saturday, November 1‏

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For Immediate Release
Date: October 24, 2014
Contact: Sarah at 517-278-6029, restoration@Tibbits.org

Live Auction image
“Tibbits Takes Flight” on Saturday, November 1 with its 35th Annual Auction, featuring hundreds of donated items and services to bid on, and a theme recalling the early days of passenger flight.

COLDWATER—Just like the anticipation of flying off on a trip, excitement is building for Tibbits 35th annual auction on Saturday, November 1 when “Tibbits Takes Flight.”

Local businesses and individuals have again come together to donate an array of auction items many of which carry the theme of flying, travel, vacation escapes, or other enticing experiences. Group dinner packages offer a vacation for the palate prepared by professional chefs and local culinary aficionados including Chef Carlos from Pasches, Chef Chris from Element 112, the Merrills, Altrusa’s Epicurean dinner tour, or a Craig Lake dinner cruise.  Escape to Cancun with a package from Sunset Resorts or to Crystal Mountain from Royal Chevrolet. Enjoy Disney park passes, a flight around Branch County from Century Bank and Trust, or a Red Wings game viewed from the PNC suite at Joe Louis Arena.

Tibbits Auction also offers chances to bid on truly one-of-a-kind experiences. Take a helicopter ride to a Coldwater Cardinals home football game, a donation from Jack and Sue Shaw that is truly priceless. Share with up to 6 friends a private, after-hours-shopping experience at Kiess Jewelry with first class treatment, exquisite hors d’oeuvres, drinks and $1000 in store credit. Bid on a movie night at Tibbits and watch your favorite movie on the big screen. If you truly enjoy Tibbits and all it has to offer, the BST Sponsorship gives you your choice of four tickets to every public performance in the theatre for 2015.

To escape closer to home, you can bid on a hibernation basket from Southern Michigan Bank & Trust including a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, a Google Play gift card, wine and treats. Become a DJ for a Day with WTVB morning host Ken Delaney. Treat your favorite little girl to her own “princess party” at Studio 17 Salon & Spa in Quincy or what child wouldn’t thrill in their very own custom airplane swing created by Jody Lewis.

According to Sarah Zimmer, Tibbits Special Events Development Director, “There is absolutely something for everyone.” Hundreds of items and services include baskets, jewelry, collectibles, home décor items, arts, crafts, food baskets, gift cards, automotive items, garden tools, beauty care products, electronics and equipment. In addition to the items and services, Tibbits received many cash donations: Coldwater Sintered Metal Products, Inc represented the “Million Mile Club” and donors in “First Class” included ASAMA Coldwater Manufacturing, Beta Sigma Phi, C & O Insurance, Great Lakes Health & Fitness, Marble Lake Resort & Marina, Taylor Plant & Watkins P.C., and William & Sharon Chinery.

Tibbits Executive Director, Christine Delaney says, “Tibbits Auction is as much about the atmosphere of the event as it is about raising money for the theatre to help it provide this great building and year round programming for our community.”  Costumed characters mingle with guests throughout the evening. Delaney adds, “Along with the vintage décor, the costumes help create an atmosphere in the theatre reminiscent of a time when air flight was glamorous. We really make the entire evening an entertaining experience.”

The silent auction in the lower level art gallery begins at 6:15pm with the live auction on stage at 8 pm. This year’s event also features a $1,000 cash raffle, sponsored by Great Lakes Health & Fitness. The event also includes a wine pull, engraved souvenir glasses and a photo booth by Featured Photobooths LLC. Doors open for the event at 6pm. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres by the Branch Area Career Center, desserts and beverages.

Join Tibbits’ largest fundraising event of the year at Tibbits Opera House located at 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater, MI. For more information call 517-278-6029 or go to www.Tibbits.org.

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Tibbits PR: Century Bank and Trust Donates Branch County Flight for Three to Tibbits Auction

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Contact: Sarah at 517-278-6029, restoration@Tibbits.org

COLDWATER – A scenic flight for three around Branch County and a $100 Century Bank &Trust Visa gift card, which may be used for a post-flight dinner of your choosing will be auctioned off, at Tibbits 35th Annual Auction on Sat., November 1, 2014. You will have your chance to bid on this adventure – courtesy of Century Bank and Trust.

“Grab that boarding pass and get ready for first class treatment as we bring back the romance of flying at this year’s annual auction, Tibbits Takes Flight,” Sarah Zimmer, special events development director at Tibbits Opera House said. “I love when donations reflect the theme and Century Bank and Trust, hit the nail on the head. It’s always fun to see what people in the community come up with.” Doors open at 6pm. The silent auction begins at 6:15pm and the live auction, where you will see Century’s donation and many other items, dinners, trips and parties begins promptly at 8pm.

Century Bank and Trust, founded in 1890 as an independent community bank, donates annually to the Tibbits auction and other fundraisers hosted by Tibbits. Century Bank and Trust provides a comprehensive range of corporate, trust and retail products and services through Branch, St. Joseph and Hillsdale counties. To learn more about Century Bank and Trust visit CenturyBankandTrust.com or visit http://www.facebook.com/CenturyBankandTrust to learn more about how Century supports the community.

Save the date and show your support at Tibbits largest fundraising event of the year, on November 1, 2014 at Tibbits Opera House located at 14 S. Hanchett St in Coldwater, MI. For more information on the auction, to purchasing raffle tickets, or ways you can donate, please call Tibbits at 517-278-6029 or go to www.Tibbits.org.

Century Bank and Trust donated Branch County Flight
Sarah Zimmer, special events development director at Tibbits Opera House, accepts a Gift Certificate for a flight for three around Branch County and a $100 Century Bank and Trust Visa Gift Card from Donna Hobday, Vice President at Century Bank and Trust. This is one of the many items donated for the Tibbits 35th Annual Auction.

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