Volunteer of the Month Luckadoo-Villa honored

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COLDWATER – Many organizations rely heavily on volunteers for ensured success, and Tibbits Opera House is no exception. Each month, Tibbits honors a Volunteer of the Month, and Joi Luckadoo-Villa was given this honor for November.

Luckadoo-Villa has been involved with Tibbits since 2006, primarily ushering and serving at the auction and Arts Alive’s holiday event. Originally from Lansing, she moved to the area in 2003. Both she and her children have all acted on the Tibbits stage; in fact, her son began acting at Tibbits at age 6 and is currently attending EMU as a musical theater major.

Joi Luckadoo-Villa served patrons at Tibbits’ annual fundraising auction in November.  Luckadoo-Villa was recently named November Volunteer of the Month because of her enthusiasm and willingness to volunteer at recent events.

From BCCT and TYA productions, to Coldwater Bands and Choirs, Luckadoo-Villa and her three children  (Lindsay, 20; Quentin, 18; and Lydia, 13) have been involved in the arts in the community. Luckadoo-Villa has served on the Coldwater Schools Boosters for Choir and Band and is both a teacher and a realtor. She has served on the Branch County Association of Realtors Board of Directors and is the delegate for Michigan Realtors and National Association of Realtors. As for Luckadoo-Villa’s arts experience, she has played violin since the age of 8 and has been singing as long as she can remember. She has sung the National Anthem for the Coldwater Elks, Coldwater Swim, Spring Arbor University, and at various functions at the Elks and the Memorial Day celebrations in Coldwater.

Luckadoo-Villa says, “The reason I enjoy volunteering at Tibbits is it gives me an opportunity to support the arts in another way. It takes more than money to keep Tibbits going–Volunteers are a necessity to keeping Tibbits alive and well. Great programs, community support and participation, and funding are all required.”  

“I have met new people in the community, people that have the same appreciation of the arts, since I began volunteering. Also, as I am not able to participate on stage due to time constraints, volunteering gives me another way to participate in the theater arena,” she added. 

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, Luckadoo-Villa received a $25 Coldwater 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.