Sarasota, FL—July 13, 2009— The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art will present yet another highly anticipated UnGala Gala with exciting untraditional changes for the most undeniable festive affair to kick-off Sarasota’s social season, in its 24th year of Un, Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 7 p.m. – midnight. This year, the Museum understands the current economic conditions and is offering special reduced ticket prices to guests that do not want to miss the social event of the year.
Voted Best Black Tie Event by Sarasota Magazine, Best Fundraising Event by the Sarasota Herald Tribune’s Readers’ Choice Awards and listed in Biz Bash FL’s Top 100 Florida events, the UnGala Gala is undeniably the most unconventional fundraising event of the year. The evening will undoubtedly offer 1,000 guests an unparalleled opportunity to unwind in a celebratory atmosphere with an evening of unmatched entertainment and dancing under the stars that is unlike any other black-tie, or un-tie, affair. While the theme of UnGala is traditionally unveiled upon arrival, this year it will be revealed prior to the event to encourage guests to dress in special UnAttire for “Una Noche en la Habana!.”
According to this year’s UnGala co-chairs, Nicole Kaney and Lindsay Howell, "We are really excited this year about the many changes thatwill bring the “Un” back to the UnGala Gala and provide an unbelievable event at a more affordable price to guests.”
Last year, guests were greeted by champagne, a turntable DJ, and a live art creation by Graffiti Artist within an elegantly sleek atmosphere. This year, guests will arrive themed- UnAttire prepared to participate in an undoubtedly spectacular Cuban affair.
Partygoers can expect unbelievably exceptional food and open bar from Michael’s On East, with various food stations and Cuban-inspired bars spread throughout the Museum’s courtyard.
To kick-start the momentum for the UnGala and raise money for the Museum, this year’s UnParty will be held on September 11, 2009. Stay tuned for more details on location. This year, the media will be invited to attend a private party prior to UnParty to be among the first to get a taste of this year’s unbelievably spirited theme.
Proceeds from UnGala Gala benefit The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and help fund the Museum’s ongoing educational programming and special exhibitions. Supporters of the Museum can undoubtedly help the committee to attain target goals through corporate sponsorships at various levels, individual ticket purchases and raffle ticket purchases.
New this year, individual tickets are $175 each with open seating and online ticketing is available at www.ringling.org until midnight on Sunday, October 11, 2009. Several levels of sponsorship are still available, offering the best seats in the house. 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.
2009 UnGala Gala Co-Chairs: Lindsay Howell and Nicole Kaney;
UnGala Gala Committee: Kate Atkin, Peter Acker, Katie Annis, Knickole Barger Curtis, Vinnie Batiato, Maria Beck, Jesse Biter, Beth Bobb, Beth Cannata, Jennifer Carroll, Adam DeClerico, Melissa DeMore, Jennifer Edwards, Christina Fraser, Liebe Gamble, Fran LaCivita, Heather McLain, Rae Mulligan, Rochelle Nigri, Allison Olinger, Anna Pohl, Mary Pat Radford, Yen Reed, Chris Romine, Kristiana Serbin, Ramses Serrano, Aaron Tracy, and Kyla Weiner.