Press Release

Tibbits Fundraising

Date:2/10/11

COLDWATER, MI—Restoration Fundraising $95,000 away from Million dollars.

Tibbits restoration campaign to restore the theatre’s façade continues to make progress and with its most recent gift, a $20,000 pledge from Bev and Chuck Tippman, the campaign is within $95,000 of the million dollar mark. That dollar amount represents the minimum estimates for the construction work.

About the pledge, Bev Tippmann said “It feels good to support such a special project and hopefully bringing the total under $100,000 will encourage others to step up and make a pledge.” The Tippmann family has been very supportive of Tibbits helping renovate the art gallery in the theatre, as well as helping with a new roof on the theatre’s company house.

Last September Tibbits Opera House kicked off its campaign “Strip the Tibbits…What’s Under the Brick?” The restoration committee introduced the architect on the project and announced it was within $162,000 of the one million dollars. According to Mary Smith, campaign co-chair, “We are so close; it’s really going to happen.” She added, “I’m so thankful for everyone who has been so generous. This is such a great theatre.”

Others making recent gifts and pledges to the campaign include Dave and Carol Coyle, Dean Insurance Agency, Marie Bettinger-Emerson, Dan and Judy Dobson, Michigan Gas Utilities, and Paul and Connie Winbigler. Tibbits staff and volunteers continue making presentations on the project and what it means to our community. According the Christine Delaney, executive director of the Tibbits, “everyone seems really interested in hearing about the theatre and the plans for the façade and genuinely excited about how close it is to happening.”

While the funds are being raised, work continues preparing for the demolition of the 1960s façade, expected to begin this month. This demolition phase is needed to reveal the original façade and see true conditions. Then construction documents can be finalized for full restoration of the theatre exterior to its original, ornate, 1882 French Second Empire design.

For more information on the campaign, to make a gift or to volunteer call Tibbits at 517-278-6029 or go to www.Tibbits.org.