(COLDWATER) – Despite the challenges of the previous year, the Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. ended the 2019-2020 season in the black.

During their annual meeting on Thursday, Tibbits Foundation Board Treasurer Wayne Weaver shared that through increased fundraising and a concerted effort to cut expenses, the Foundation ended the year with a $78,000 profit. The year before, the Foundation had a $15,000 loss.

Tibbits Foundation did receive a PPP and several emergency grants that helped them in 2019-2020. Donations replaced ticket revenue and each person who presented during the meeting reiterated appreciation for the community, the members, the sponsors, the board and staff for all of the support and effort through the year.

Notes on the financial pages of the report express the goal being prepared for continued challenges in 2021 and even into 2022. While restrictions allow the theater to open to limited capacity, the schedule still remains sparse.

Board President Rick Merrill thanked all the Board members and staff for their help and support. He recognized retiring Board member Polly Locke with a plaque honoring her nine years of service. In addition, Daniel Gordon, Erin Jansen, Angie Marsh and Cisco Ortiz were elected to the Board of Directors.

During the organizational meeting that followed the annual meeting, Chris Donbrock was elected President, John Bolton Vice President, Ken Norton Treasurer, Joe Hughes Secretary and Dave Coyle as member-at-large.