UnGala Gala Museum Fundraiser Launches Sarasota's Social Season
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Sarasota, FL—Aug 26, 2008— The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s UnGala Gala will present yet another untraditional evening of unmatched entertainment, in its 23rd year of Un, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 6 p.m. – midnight.
Undeniably the most unconventional social event of the year, the UnGala undoubtedly offers more than 1,000 guests an unparalleled 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 unbelievable performances and décor in the Museum’s unfailingly beautiful courtyard.
According to this year’s UnGala co-chairs, Nicole Kaney and Lindsay Howell, "The past chairs have built a strong tradition and loyal following for this ‘can’t miss event of the season.’ We are excited to continue the tradition this year with a spectacular evening of unbridled excitement. It will be a fitting tribute to the Ringling Museum’s legacy to arts and culture in Sarasota.”
Last year’s guests were greeted by music and belly dancers as a Moroccan atmosphere unfolded before them. As always, this year’s theme will remain undisclosed until the time of arrival. “The only thing we can promise is that it will be full of surprises,” Kaney and Howell said.
Partygoers can unquestionably expect unbelievably good food and drink from Mattison’s Culinary Group. Guests can let loose their unbridled passions for food and dance in an unbeatable location, the Ringling courtyard.
To kick-start the momentum for the UnGala and raise money for the Museum, this year’s UnParty will be held at Mattison’s 41, Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, 8 p.m. to midnight. This will be the first chance to purchase UnGala tickets. Admission to the party will be $50 if purchased before Sept. 5 and $60 at the door.
Last year, the UnGala Gala generated $140,000 to bring expanded educational programming and traveling exhibitions to the Ringling Museum. This year, an enthusiastic UnGala 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 2008 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 at jennifer.carroll@ringling.org or 941.359.5700 Ext. 5702.
NOTE: Media representatives have two opportunities to experience the 2008 UnGala Gala:
- Take advantage of the free, three-hour media preview from 6-9 p.m. to conduct interviews and photos, and receive media kits.
- Purchase tickets for $250 per person to attend as a guest and enjoy dinner, an open bar and evening-long entertainment.
2008 UnGala Gala Co-Chairs: Lindsay Howell and Nicole Kaney
UnGala Gala Committee: Kate Atkin, Knickole Barger Curtis, Monica Barth, Maria Beck, Beth Bobb, Beth Cannata, Jennifer Carroll, Melissa DeMore, Jennifer Edwards, Meghan Foley, Jessica Hays, Fran LaCivita, Robert Ludwig, Linda Macaskill, Heather McLain, Rae Mulligan, Rochelle Nigri, Allison Olinger, Anna Pohl, Mary Pat Radford, Yen Reed, Chris Romine, Josh Sankes, Ramses Serrano, Liebe Smith, Aaron Tracy, Asli Uysal and Kyla Weiner.
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; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Historic Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
###