It goes without saying that I love the Tift Theatre.  She has been my best friend for almost six years.  She is so rich with beauty and history.  There are times I just sit by myself in the middle of the auditorium and admire her.  She must be saved!  The only way to keep her as we all know and love her is to increase events and attendance.  Over the next few months many fundraisers will be held with a wide variety of events for all tastes.  I encourage you to come and partake in her beauty and the awesome things to come.  

The first major fundraiser was held this past weekend with a nice steak dinner, champagne reception, silent auction and a one-act murder mystery.  This event was well-attended and will go a long way in reaching our financial goal. What a wonderful community we live in!

The purpose of this letter is to acknowledge and publicly thank all the many amazing individuals and businesses who supported this event.

First of all, I wish to thank the Fundraising Committee who made it all possible.  These members have worked countless hours in true dedication to the theatre.  They are Sherry Savelli, Gayle Cooper, Charles Hutton, John McDuffie, Tyrone Spearman, Andy Smith, Kyle Rhodes, Carrie Mook Bridgman, Sherry McCullough and Susan Saye.

Of course, the sponsors who donated funds, silent auction items and other generous contributions all deserve a standing ovation.  Many heartfelt thanks to Tift Regional Medical Center, The Tifton Gazette, Dr. and Mrs. Brent Savelli, The Hilton Garden Inn of Tifton, The Howard Center, Tony McBrayer, MaryAnn Whitbeck, Dr. and Mrs. Lee Saye, Dr. Bret Wagenhorst, Dr. and Mrs. Larry Moorman, the Rev. Carrie Mook Bridgman, Mary Glenn Hendricks, Harold Chambers, John Falotico, Sole Medical Spa, Shear Talent Salon, J & G Electric Service, Mi-Lady Bakery, Kyle Rhodes, The Gin, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Tibbetts, All-Star Limousine Service, Gayle Cooper, Vicky Orr, Dr. Ted McElroy, Dr. Marsha Holloway, Southern Bodies, Kirsten Underwood, Andy Smith, Western Auto, Hope Baldwin Photography, Linda Kidd, Patrick Kunes, Dallas and Angie Hunt, Julie Hunt, Computer Consulting Group, Selvaggia Jewels & Gifts, Chris Beckham, WTIF, The Frame Shoppe at Kate Hill Cottage and The Floor Shoppe at Glenn Hendricks Interiors.

Celebrity waiters who gave their time and energies in helping to serve the awesome dinner prepared by B. J. Smith and Event Planners cannot go without a great big thank you.  Those donning the beautiful aprons donated by Sherri Savelli were Mayor Jamie Cater, Mike Vollmer,  Marianna Keesee, Chris Parrott, Lequrica Gaskins, Dr. Brent Savelli, Dr. Bill Kaiser, Dr. Marsha Holloway and Caleb Smith.

The murder mystery, “The Final Curtain,” was a great success and I wish to thank all involved with that production.  First, my son, John Mack Freeman, for writing such a wonderful farce saving me hundreds of dollars in royalties and copyright.  The awesome cast and crew, Mary Pearson Wood, Carmen Savelli, Bonnie Young, Dr. Brian Ray, Lennie Vollmer, Carlie Johnson, Marty Freeman and Baylee Freeman who gave me hours upon hours of rehearsal time and a performance I will never forget, I give a world of thanks and love.   Also, a great big thanks to Martha Black and Fran Kinchen for making programs and tickets and running errands for me.  Finally, to each of you who bought tickets and came to spend this great evening with me, I am humbled beyond words and hope I get a chance to hug each neck sometime.

Lastly, thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow.

Dottie Freeman

Tift Theatre for

Performing Arts