The 2006 UnGala Gala: Celebrating 21 Years of “Un”
Saturday, October 21st, 2006
Sarasota, FL – Aug. 14, 2006 – The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s UnGala Gala presents yet another untraditional evening of unmatched entertainment, as it celebrates 21 years of Un, on Saturday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m. – midnight.
By now, Sarasotans have come to expect the unexpected at this highly anticipated Museum fundraiser. Each year, more than 1,300 attendees are offered an unparalleled opportunity to unwind in an intriguing atmosphere that is unfettered by the conventions of the traditional black-tie affair. According to this year’s UnGala co-chairs, Beth Cannata and Chris Romine, “The 21st UnGala Gala will be taken to an entirely new level.”
While last year’s event theme, “Fire and Ice,” featured an unanticipated journey from the depths of the underworld to unfathomable heavenly heights, this year’s theme, as always, will remain completely undisclosed until the moment guests arrive at the Ringling. Cannata and Romine were able to say, “as we prepare for the 21st UnGala, we are looking to the East.”
What partygoers can unquestionably expect is some of the finest catering by Mattison’s Culinary Group, with bars by Longboat Key Club. There will be cutting edge entertainment all around, with dancing under the stars in the magical Museum Courtyard until midnight.
Last year, the UnGala Gala generated $240,000 for the Ringling Museum’s education programming and traveling exhibitions. This year, an enthusiastic UnGala committee (of more than 30 local socialites) hopes to exceed that amount. Art supporters can undoubtedly help the committee to attain this goal through corporate sponsorships at various levels, individual ticket purchases and raffle ticket purchases.
The 2006 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. Contact Stephanie Raveling or Jennifer Carroll in the Museum Events Department at 941.359.5733 to receive an invitation, or for more information about sponsorship packages.
NOTE: Media representatives have two options to experience the 2006 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, an open bar and evening-long entertainment.
For additional information, contact Ringling Museum Director of Marketing and Communications Chrissy Kruger-Gruendyke at 941.359.5700, ext. 2801 (choose option 1 before entering the extension) or CKruger@ringling.org.
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 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.
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