Press Release

Volunteers of the year honored

Date: 04/16/2009

COLDWATER – Connie and Paul Winbigler were voted Tibbits Volunteers of the Year 2009 in front of a crowd of 60 well wishers at the 6th annual volunteer reception on stage at the opera house Tuesday night.
 
Randall Hazelbaker, Tibbits board president, announced the winning volunteers which was a complete surprise to the Coldwater couple. The Winbiglers have been involved with Tibbits for many years. Connie has served on the board for 14 years including serving as president. She has also been active on numerous committees including restoration and auction. Paul has served on the facilities committee and has utilized his electrical, mechanical and carpentry skills in a long list of projects to improve the theatre and its other buildings.  Hazelbaker said of the Winbiglers “they are staunch supporters who will do what is the best for Tibbits at all times and do it with a smile!”  

In her acceptance speech Connie said, “This is a surprise. Why us?” She said they became involved after they moved here adding, “We love the historical significance of the Tibbits and we want to help preserve it. Thank you." 
 
The couple was presented with flowers, a monetary gift and a one-of-a-kind, Swarovski crystal beaded bracelet and earrings, hand crafted especially for the winner by Monica Winget, owner of Beadin' Mon!
 
Sharon Duchi-Bloom was the chairperson of the event which had a 60s theme of "Flower Power '09." The reception was catered by the Branch Area Careers Center, who served 60s style food like cheese fondue. Musical entertainment was provided by Delbert Walling and Duchi-Bloom. who also sang an excerpt from "Hair." Door prizes were won by Mary Gail Stevens, Barb Miller and Erin Washburn.
 
The annual reception is Tibbits “thank you” to the more than 300 volunteers who help make the opera house run smoothly. Past Volunteer of the Year winners include: Joan Spaulding, Lois Voss, Steve and Julia Littley, Karen Hargreave, Haley Smith, and Mary Smith.
 
The Tibbits Boosters hosted “Flower Power '09.” Boosters, the volunteer group which organizes and recognizes the many volunteers for Tibbits, is open to anyone who would like to support the theatre and its many activities. For more information visit the web site at www.Tibbits.org, visit the administrative offices at 63 W. Chicago St. or call 517-278-6029.