COLDWATER, MI – With a Bond, James Bond theme, Tibbits 43^rd Annual Auction raised nearly $70,000 Saturday, November 5 with its combined online bidding and live auction event at the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater.

With decorations reminiscent of the classic films and the Ian Fleming character, an appreciative crowd enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, a bar featuring martinis, “shaken not stirred,” while the memorable title songs of the Bond films piped throughout the theatre. The live event opened with a bond-inspired introduction. Throughout the evening attendees enjoyed video highlights from Tibbits Young Audiences, Tibbits Summer Theatre and Tibbits volunteers at work or play! Darin Spieth and Dan Satow of Spieth & Satow Auctioneers led participants through an evening of high bids. Ken Delaney served as Master of Ceremonies.

The full event featured over 350 auction items. Most of the bidding took place via the website with sections closing daily starting Wednesday and concluding Saturday night after the live event had already ended.

Following the auction, Tibbits Board President Chris Donbrock said, “I'd like to thank our outstanding staff and volunteers for the countless hours they put into pulling this auction together, and their creativity that went along with the theme.” He added, “I'd also like to thank our patrons and supporters for their generous donations that help in the operation of our beautiful old theater.”

Dinners and special experiences highlighted the items up for bid and garnered some very generous donations. High bids for the evening came from three separate dinners donated by Kathy and Rick Merrill, one of which teams with Two Bandits Brewing. High bids on other experiences were donated by Keiss Jewelry, PNC Bank, Southern Michigan Bank, Royal Auto Group, Clemens and Century Bank and Trust along with Ed Lake. This year’s Barton S. Tibbits Sponsorship which gives the high bidder four tickets to every event at the theatre was purchased by Penny and Ed Geishert.

Winners of the auction raffle sponsored by Great Lakes Chiropractic were Richard Hess $1000 first prize which he donated back to the theatre, Mike Pridgeon $250 second prize which he also donated back to the theatre, and Rhonda Ives two Tibbits Summer Theatre season tickets third prize. Kate Gordon won the registration raffle for two tickets to a Tibbits show. Kathy Brown won the 50-50 drawing.

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.