Fraley honored as October Volunteer of the Month

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COLDWATER – Many organizations rely heavily on volunteers for ensured success, and Tibbits Opera House is no exception. With that in mind, each month, Tibbits honors a Volunteer of the Month. Recently, Christy Fraley was given this honor.

Christy Fraley distributed Tibbits Summer Theatre brochures for Tibbits Opera House. Fraley was recently named October Volunteer of the Month because of her other areas of service to the theater.

Fraley became involved in Tibbits when her daughter, Saylor, auditioned for the Tibbits Young Audience’s production of “The Snow White Variety Show,” and according to Fraley, “We haven’t been able to get her off stage since!” Fraley has a flexible schedule, so she fills in and volunteers as needed delivering brochures, helping with mailings and various administrative tasks, landscaping, and she enjoys helping out backstage the most. Fraley and her husband Jim both grew up in South Jersey. They moved to the Coldwater area in August of 2018 from Marlton, New Jersey, between Atlantic City and Philadelphia. 

Fraley worked as a corporate tax accountant in both public accounting and private industry for about 20 years.  She currently works for herself doing bookkeeping and project work on a part-time basis, giving her more flexibility and time with her family. Both of her children, Saylor, 11 and Leland, 4 attend St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Coldwater. Jim is a chemical engineer at a local company. They all enjoy traveling, skiing and snowboarding.  Jim and Christy are both certified scuba divers, while Saylor and Christy both enjoy a great love for both theater and opera. Christy took Saylor to her first opera in Philadelphia at age 9 and they were also fortunate enough to live close enough to New York to be able to enjoy Broadway theater. 

“Volunteering for the TYA program has been really fun!  I have grown very fond of the kids and it’s amazing to watch them grow on stage,” Fraley said, plus most of her new friends are other parents that she has met while volunteering for Tibbits.

Aside from learning how far-reaching Tibbits is outside the Coldwater and even Michigan area, Fraley says, “I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for all the volunteers and staff that make things happen….both up front and behind the scenes.  Tibbits is truly an asset to our community!” 

The Volunteer of the Month is chosen by Tibbits staff. Selection is based on the hours and/or service, as well as leadership, special skills or expertise shared. Criteria may be project specific or general support and volunteerism. In recognition of this award, Fraley received a $25 Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Debit Card.

Tibbits is always looking for more volunteers in a variety of areas: ushering or working the gift shop, preparing mailings or general office help, planting flowers or decorating the theater and much more. Those interested in volunteering at the historic theatre should contact Tirsha Odisher at Tibbits at 517-278-6029 or boxoffice@Tibbits.org. Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 S. Hanchett Street, Coldwater, Mich.  www.Tibbits.org.