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The Ringling Announces the Return of Iconic Event UnGala 2019- The Evolution to be held in Oct. 19, 2019 Contact Name: Virginia Harshman Contact Email: virginia.harshman@ringling.org Contact Phone Number: 941-359-5700 X2803 For Immediate Release Sarasota, Florida- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the return of a much-loved signature event. UnGala 2019- The Evolution will be held in the Museum of Art Courtyard Oct. 19, 2019. The return of the iconic affair after a 10 year hiatus celebrates the 35th anniversary of the first UnGala in 1986. “For several years I have had many inquiries about the revival of the UnGala. So many people just loved that event,” said Christina Fraser, The Ringling’s director of events “What we are creating for 2019 is something very special, something that has not been done before in Sarasota. Our Ringling team and our UnGala Ambassadors are looking forward to unveiling UnGala 2019- The Evolution and providing our guests with an extraordinary experience,” Partygoers may register on The Ringling’s website (www.ringling.org) to receive an invitation to the UnGala. Invitations will be mailed in early August and online ticket sales will begin shortly thereafter. Sponsorship packages are also available and, according to Fraser, they are selling quickly. The UnGala debuted in 1986 as an alternative to formal events and was designed to attract a younger crowd. Over the years, UnGala raised funds that The Ringling utilized to restore the Ca’d’Zan, enlarge the collection, and increase educational efforts and public outreach. “The return of UnGala and the funds that are raised will allow us to continue to advance our mission of inclusion, diversity and excellence” said Steven High, Executive Director, “We are excited to reignite this event that is so special for the Sarasota community.” # # # About The Ringling The Ringling is a pre-eminent center for the arts, history and learning that is dedicated to bringing the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences. From its inception, The Ringling has joined the diverse visual traditions and theatrical spectacle of yesterday with the genre-defying global practitioners of today. A place of exploration, discovery and respite, The Ringling’s campus in Sarasota, Florida – which includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, an historic mansion, an 18th-century theater and bayfront gardens – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling fulfills an important educational mission. The Ringling offers formal and informal programs of study serving as a major resource for students, scholars, and lifelong learners of every age within the region, across the country and around the world. Media Contacts: The Ringling Virginia Harshman Public relations specialist 941-359-5700 x2803 Virginia.harshman@ringling.org