Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
corporation whose mission is to preserve the historic Tibbits Opera
House, to offer cultural entertainment experiences for the citizens
of Branch County and our region and to provide a cultural stage for
area residents.
Thousands of tourists, area residents and nearby community residents
attend plays, musical acts, summer professional theatre, and community
events at Tibbits every year. In fact, Tibbits is responsible for generating
over $1,500,000 annually into the local economy, is the community stage
for Branch County, Michigan, and is an important regional venue for
experiencing live, cultural and theatrical productions within an hour
radius of Coldwater, Michigan. For our community's children, Tibbits
offers their primary exposure to live theatre and other performing
arts.
The Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, Inc. fosters enrichment
of life for all people by preserving the historic opera house and supporting
the arts, culture and education.
Marilyn Baker, Mike Beckwith, Tina Kerr, Laua Lutterbeck, Barb Mullally, Brad Parrish,
Charlene Rucker, Bev Tippmann
Annual Meeting Minutes
TIBBITS OPERA FOUNDATION AND ARTS COUNCIL
January 27, 2011 (Open to the Community)
Attendees: Michael Beckwith, Doug Bloom, J.R. Colbeck, Erland Gleason, Randall Hazelbaker, Brian Hodson, Laura Lutterbeck, Jim Maynard, Barbara Mullally, Brad Parrish, Charlene Rucker, Ray Sebastian, Beverly Tippmann and Executive Director Christine Delaney
Guests: Ken Delaney, Diane Riegel, and Julie Stratos; Excused: Marilyn Baker, Tina Kerr
Opening Remarks: President Randall Hazelbaker convened the session at 5:35 PM. He introduced Executive Director Christine Delaney.
Welcome from Executive Director Christine Delaney: Executive Director Delaney summarized fiscal year 2009 – 2010 as a “year of blessings.” Unexpected financial gifts in December set the tone for the rest of the year. Membership donations reached a record high and Tibbits developed fun and rewarding partnerships in the area of entertainment.
Christine introduced her staff including Artistic Director Charles Burr. Charles, who has been with Tibbits for 21 years, assembled an outstanding cast for the 2010 summer season. The reviews were outstanding and the audience numbers surpassed projected figures.
Welcome from Board President Randall Hazelbaker: Randall introduced the Board members. He acknowledged outgoing members Jeff Holbrook and Julie Stratos. Julie accepted a plaque recognizing her years of service from 2005 – 2010. Jeff was not in attendance to accept his plaque.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Brian Hodson reported the fiscal year had been better than projected. He recognized outgoing financial committee members Jeff Budd and Nancy Hutchins and welcomed incoming member Dick DeVries.
The roof was replaced on the company house, thanks to the financial assistance of Bev and Chuck Tippmann. Brian also mentioned the unexpected gifts received in December. From that amount $5000 was transferred to the restoration fund.
Phase III Restoration Campaign: Ken Delaney indicated an additional $118,500 is needed to begin the restoration of the façade. He credited Georgann Reppert with the theme for the fundraising efforts, “Strip the Tibbits…What’s Under the Brick?” The fundraising committee is busy raising the final dollars needed to begin the demolition. Those who had given five or six years ago were being revisited in hopes of having the balance on hand by March, 2011.
Tibbits Boosters: Diane Riegel, President of the Boosters, reviewed the Booster projects for the year. The Boosters had been able to present $7000 to Tibbits, much of the money coming from the popular “Dancing with the Celebrities.”
Nominations – Election of Board – Jim Maynard, Nominating Committee: Jim Maynard indicated the committee had sought nominees who had a passion for the arts and for Tibbits. The committee sought those who were willing to give of their time and talent. The slate included renewing members Brian Hodson, Barb Mullally and Brad Parrish. New members presented were Marilyn Baker, Michael Beckwith and Tina Kerr. Marilyn is from the northern Indiana area and will bring a new perspective to the board. The slate was given unanimous approval.
Meeting adjourned: 6:05 PM
Submitted by: Carol Coyle
Nondiscrimination Policy
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this
institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410,
or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).”
