Tibbits’ 46th Annual Auction took on a new format with new events and a theme of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and raised $80,500 last Saturday, November 2.
The event included a concert featuring Dueling Pianos. Amidst the music Darin Spieth and Dan Satow of Spieth & Satow Auctioneers auctioned a select group of items. Ken Delaney served as emcee for the evening. Additional items, baskets, experiences and services were available for silent bidding in the art gallery. Earlier in the evening, Tibbits hosted a gala dinner on stage.
Throughout the event, participants were reminded of the importance of Tibbits and its role in providing entertainment for the community, opportunities for children, maintaining the historic theatre and serving as the economic and tourism driver for the county. For many Tibbits is the place where many memories have been created. Saturday’s event is the theatre main fundraising event.
The spirit of the Audrey Hepburn classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” carried through the decorations, the marketing, the dinner and even some of the auction items donated. Also new this year, Tibbits teamed with SkipGive to offer a text notification and easy means of donating to the auction.
Tibbits Board President John Bolton expressed, “The staff did a wonderful job of planning and executing the auction which was an exciting evening.” He added, “It is fantastic to see how the community continues to support Tibbits as a regional asset. We are grateful.”
High bid for the evening came from Jane Schultz in memory of Harold Schultz, for the Barton S. Tibbits Sponsorship, which includes four tickets to every event at the theatre for the year. Other high bids for the evening came from three separate dinners donated by Kathy and Rick Merrill.
For more information on Tibbits Opera House, its many programs for the community and how to support it, go to Tibbits.org or call 517-278-6029.
