UnParty Offers First Tickets and Exclusive Hints for the 2007 UnGala Gala

Friday, September, 7, 2007

Sarasota, FL- August 10, 2007 – Excitement for this year’s 2007 UnGala Gala at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art will build at the official pre-party hosted by Chef Paul Mattison.

            The UnParty, scheduled for 7 p.m., Sept. 7, 2007 at Mattison’s Steakhouse at the Plaza on Longboat Key, is one of the many UnGala Gala-inspired traditions.  UnParty-goers will get an exclusive hint at the year’s top-secret UnGala Gala theme.

            This year the UnGala Gala will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2007 from 6 p.m. – midnight.  Individual tickets are priced at $250 and proceeds will benefit the Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.  As always, the theme is under wraps until guests arrive in black tie or no tie to the UnGala.

            UnParty guests will take in a fashion show of the latest party dresses from L’Boutique, modeled by UnGala committee members, including Bri Saba, Maria Beck, and co-chairs Chris Romine and Beth Cannata.  Tampa singer/songwriter Freight Train Annie, generously paid for by Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, will provide the evening’s music for UnParty-goers.  A 50/50 raffle will also be held to benefit The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

            Mattison’s is the premier UnGala Gala food caterer serving delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts for the full house of 1,250 guests.  According to the 2007 UnGala co-chairs, Mattison’s was the ideal partner to host the UnParty as well.

            Twenty local Ringling enthusiasts make up the UnGala committee and volunteer their time and efforts to make not only the UnGala Gala possible, but the UnParty as well.

            Reservations for the UnParty can be made in advance by calling 941.387.2700. UnParty tickets are $50.00 and available for purchase online atwww.mattisons.com before Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007, or at the door.  Ringling Museum staff members will be on hand during the UnParty to sell the first individual tickets and sponsorships to UnGala.  Invitations to the UnGala will be mailed mid-September.

             For more information about The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the UnGala Gala, please contact
Jennifer Carroll at 941.359.5700 ext. 5702, jcarroll@ringling.org or visit http://www.ringling.org/special_events_ungala.asp.   

For all media requests, please contact PR Manager Lynn Hobeck-Bates at 941.359.5700 ext. 2803 or lhobeck@ringling.org.  Visit the Ringling Museum online atwww.ringling.org. 

For more information about Mattison’s please contact Marketing Director Jennifer Ahearn-Koch at 941.362.2991 or j.ak@verizon.net or jenak@mattisons.com.  Visit Mattison’s online at www.mattisons.com.

 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 a world-renowned collection of art, Cà d’Zan (The Ringling’s mansion) and its historic contents, collections documenting the circus and its history, the historic Asolo Theatre, and the 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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