2007 UnGala Gala Museum Fundraiser Launches Sarasota’s Social Season

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Sarasota, FL—July 25, 2007—The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art announces the kick off of Sarasota’s social season with the UnGala Gala, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 6 p.m. – midnight.

            As one of the most anticipated social events in Sarasota, the Museum fundraisers offers more than 1,250 guests an opportunity to unwind in an unconventional festive atmosphere that is unlike any other black-tie affair.  At the UnGala Gala, guests have come to expect the unexpected, but they can always look forward to unbelievably special performances and dazzling décor in the Museum’s Florentine-inspired courtyard.

            According to this year’s Ungala co-chairs, Beth Cannata and Chris Romine, “The 2007 UnGala gala celebrates the completion of the Museum’s new buildings and restorations.  We are excited to share in the rebirth of this amazing complex with our supporters because their contributions were integral to the Museum’s brilliant five-year transformation.”

            Last year guests embarked on unanticipated journey to the Far East, and enjoyed sake passed by geishas, dancing dragons, Japanese Taiko drumming and Thai dances.  As always, this year’s theme will remain a secret until guests arrive in the Courtyard.  However, Cannata and Romine were able to hint, “This year our committee looked to the Mediterranean for inspiration and we have come up with ideas that are sure to blow Sarasotans away.”

            What partygoers can unquestionably expect is some of the finest catering by Mattison’s Culinary Group and excellent bar services by the Longboat Key Club. Guest will eat, drink, mingle and dance under the starry October skies in the Ringling’s magical courtyard.

            The UnParty is continuing this year as the official UnGala Gala pre-party in September.  Additional details are forthcoming.

            Last year, UnGala Gala generated $200,000 to bring expanded educational programming and traveling exhibitions to the Ringling Museum.  This year, an enthusiastic Ungalga committee of philanthropic locals hopes to exceed that amount. Supporters of the Museum can undoubtedly help the committee to attain this goal through corporate sponsorships at various levels, individual ticket purchases and raffle ticket purchases.

            The 2007 UnGala is by invitation only and several levels of sponsorship are still available, offering the best seats in the house.  Individual tickets are $250.  Invitations will be mailed mid-September.  To be added to the invite list or receive more information about sponsorship packages, contact Jennifer Carroll in the Museum Events Department atjcarroll@ringling.orgor 941.359.5700 x 5702.

NOTE:  Media representatives have two to experience the 2007 UnGala Gala:

1. Take advantage of the free, three-hour media preview from 6-9 p.m. to conduct interviews and photos, and receive media kits. 
2. Purchase tickets for $250 per person to attend as a guest and enjoy dinner, and open bar and evening-long entertainment.

General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Cà d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, The Tibbals Learning Center, home to the world’s largest minature circus, Mable’s historic Rose Garden and Florida’s only rose test gardens, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $15; senior citizens (65 and over) are $13; children ages 6-17 are $5.  Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members.  Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit for more information.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, in its affiliation with Florida State University, is the largest museum/university complex in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Ca' d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, and Mable’s historic Rose Garden, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $25; senior citizens (65 and over) are $20; children ages 6-17 are $5.  Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members.  Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit Ringling.org for more information.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Ca' d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museums; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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