WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Sturgis Civic Players recently presented former business owner Doug Bates the Star Sponsor Award in recognition of his support to the theatre group for more than a decade.
During auditions for the upcoming fall musical “Shrek,” participants joined the Sturgis Civic Players and paused for a few minutes while SCP President Colin Eastman recognized Bates.
Bates recently closed Designs by Vogt’s, his floral shop in Sturgis, and will soon be opening a shop in Wheaton, Ill.
Eastman said the acknowledgment was timed intentionally. He said when it was common knowledge that Bates was leaving for the Chicago area, there was an immediate need to honor Bates and his long-standing support for the Sturgis Civic Players.
Eastman said Bates was equally generous with financial support as well as in-kind donations.
Bates is the inaugural recipient of the new award, designed to show appreciation for sponsors who support Sturgis Civic Players.
