2005 UnGala Gala -- Celebrating 20 Years of Un

Saturday, Oct. 15, 2005

SARASOTA, Fla. – Sept. 9, 2005 – The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s UnGala Gala is offering another unparalleled experience for art supporters as it celebrates 20 years of Un on Saturday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m. – midnight.

Sarasota enjoys a rich tradition for innovative fundraising, but back in 1986, UnGala organizers decided to plan a museum fundraiser unlike any other in Sarasota.  The concept, inspired by 7-UP’s late-1980s Un-Cola campaign, appealed immediately to young Sarasota socialites because it was unusual.  For the past 20 years, themes have been decidedly unconventional, tuxedoes and gowns were unnecessary options and event ambience was truly unbelievable. 

Two young socialites who understand the Un are the UnGala Co-chairs, Emily Walsh and Amie Shay.   “We were only five when Ringling hosted the very first UnGala,” Walsh said.  “As we grew up, so did the event. Now it is a dynamic symbol of Sarasota’s philanthropic spirit.”

Now, as in the past, this fundraiser is expertly catered by some of Sarasota’s finest, and features live entertainment with dancing under the stars in the breathtaking Museum Courtyard. 

The theme for this 20^th anniversary UnGala, like every year, is unconditionally hush-hush.  “The only hint I can give is that the experience will be unsurpassed – it’s been 20 years in the making, after all,” Shay said. 

Last year, the Courtyard was packed with more than 1,350 guests and the theme, Spectacular! Spectacular! Spectacular!, fell straight out of Paris’ Moulin Rouge into Sarasota, complete with Can-Can Dancers, feather boas, and cigar smoke.

In its 20 years, the undefined UnGala Gala has raised $1.5 millionfor Ringling Museum’s education programs and traveling exhibitions.  Through corporate sponsorship, individual and raffle ticket sales, profits have undeniably increased for the Museum.  Its 20^th anniversary goal is again $240,000, the amount raised last year, and the UnGala committee, made up of 40 local supporters, is actively rallying sponsors for the event to help reach that goal. 

This anniversary UnGala is by invitation only and several levels of sponsorship are still available, offering the best seats in the house; individual tickets are $250. Reservations will be taken by calling a phone bank, per invitation instructions. Contact Amanda Thistle or Jennifer Carroll in the Museum Events Department at 941.359.5733 to receive an invitation or for information about sponsorship packages.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is the state art museum of Florida.  It preserves, develops, and enhances the legacy of John and Mable Ringling and engages and educates a large and diverse audience in aworld-renowned collection of art, Cà d'Zan (the Ringlings’ mansion) and its historic contents, collections documenting the circus and its history, the historic Asolo Theater, and the architecture, courtyard, gardens, and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.

The Museum’s exhibitions and programs are made possible in part through support by the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and the Sarasota County Arts Council; the State of Florida, Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council. 

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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