Thanks Bob!

Ten days ago Rick (my husband, NCTC's Managing Director) and I went to a funeral for Bob Lech. Most of you probably didn't know Bob. However, without his help, NCTC wouldn't be where it is today.

There are many people who have shaped the theatre in its 32 year history and everyone is important. But at the time we met Bob, the theatre was at a pivotal point. At that time Laurel Alford was the theatre president, Terri Morrison was vice president, Dave Dorrell was artistic director, and Rick and I managed the house. We were just getting into a good groove of organization, something quite difficult for a 100% volunteer-run group to do.

During a show one evening, Bob approached me and said that he sees many plays, but we are really great. He said he wanted to help us out. We were always, as we are now, interested in anyone lending us a helping hand. He would often joke that his wife Jill told him not to ruin us.

Over the next year or so Bob taught us about publicity and promotions and networking. He secured a $1,000 donation from the Newnan Kiwanis for the theatre. He attended chamber and Kiwanis meetings and many other functions on our behalf. Bob taught us how to take NCTC to the next level, how to grow, expand, how many theatre organizations work, and so much more. If you've seen a red Newnan Theatre vest, or wore one, you have Bob to thank. If you've worn a theatre polo shirt, that was also Bob's doing. If you've ever used the theatre's ice maker, that too we received thanks to Bob's networking. Those are just a few things Bob helped us with.

Sadly, Bob got cancer and didn't have the strength to help us out as much. He lost his battle with the disease on August 30. He never stopped supporting NCTC though. He, along with his wife Jill, continued to be a season ticket holder, although they hadn't attended a play in quite some time.

Bob was a great friend of the theatre. He used his talents to help us grow. He was never on stage and had no ambition to be an actor (at least none that he ever shared with me). He was a wonderful mentor. His guidance was so very important in where we are today.

Now we have a board and an operating committee (which not everyone likes, but I digress). We've been able to survive and thrive, pay the rent, pay the theatre bills, and put on great shows. We have more season ticket holders than ever before. NCTC doesn't want to be the best kept secret in Newnan. Bob helped us immensely in spreading that "secret."

Thank you, Bob. You will be missed.