Ringling Inspires campaign raises more than $100 million

The fundraising campaign finished a year ahead of schedule.

  • By Brynn Mechem
  • | 8:09 p.m. April 6, 2019
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Confetti was shot into the air as members of the The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the State Art Museum of Florida administered by Florida State University celebrated the completion of a $100 million campaign.

The Ringling Inspires: Honoring the Legacy and Building for the Future campaign wasn't scheduled to be complete until 2020. However, with more than 65,000 donations, the campaign exceeded its goal, bringing in a total of $101,330,000. 

With donations, the permanent collection has nearly doubled in size and two curatorial positions have been endowed. Additionally, restoration to the Ca D'Zan was made possible. 

Ahead of the celebration, entrance fee to the museum was waived, bringing in a total of 3,251 visitors. 

After speakers announced the campaign's success, guest munched on light bites provided by Puff 'n Stuff Catering and danced to music by Sheri and SoulRCoaster. 

Florida State University President John Thrasher holds up a ceremonial check worth $101,330,000 with Ringling mascot Reuben.
Florida State University President John Thrasher holds up a ceremonial check worth $101,330,000 with Ringling mascot Reuben.
Mary and David Benfer
Mary and David Benfer
Jeff Hotchkiss, board member and chairman of development committee
Jeff Hotchkiss, board member and chairman of development committee
Veronica Brady, Steve Dixon, Peggy Allen and Jay Brady
Veronica Brady, Steve Dixon, Peggy Allen and Jay Brady
John and Mayra Schmidt
John and Mayra Schmidt
Guest could try a variety of food provided by Puff 'n Stuff catering.
Guest could try a variety of food provided by Puff 'n Stuff catering.
Ann Charters, president of Asolo Repertory Theatre board and Tom Charters, board member
Ann Charters, president of Asolo Repertory Theatre board and Tom Charters, board member
Sarah and George Pappas, Kathy Walker and Christine Jennings
Sarah and George Pappas, Kathy Walker and Christine Jennings
Warren Colbert, board member, and Marie Colbert
Warren Colbert, board member, and Marie Colbert
Betsy Winder, Dan Napoli, board member Tina Napoli, Mary and Dee Vaidya.
Betsy Winder, Dan Napoli, board member Tina Napoli, Mary and Dee Vaidya.
David Duncan and John Fisher
David Duncan and John Fisher
Light bites were served before guests headed to the dance floor.
Light bites were served before guests headed to the dance floor.
Mari Carpenter, assistant director for collections and chief registrar, and Elizabeth Doud
Mari Carpenter, assistant director for collections and chief registrar, and Elizabeth Doud
John Bradbury, Fran Fergusson and Ringling Executive Director Steven High
John Bradbury, Fran Fergusson and Ringling Executive Director Steven High
T.J. and Robin Kornett
T.J. and Robin Kornett
Dawn Jennings and Tom Jennings, vice president for university advancement at Florida State University and president of the FSU Foundation
Dawn Jennings and Tom Jennings, vice president for university advancement at Florida State University and president of the FSU Foundation
Florida State University John Thrasher addresses the crowd.
Florida State University John Thrasher addresses the crowd.
Board member Tom Icard and Cameron Icard
Board member Tom Icard and Cameron Icard
Florida State University Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Sally McRorie, President John Thrasher and Jean Thrasher
Florida State University Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Sally McRorie, President John Thrasher and Jean Thrasher
Gary Tiffany and Brittani Froug
Gary Tiffany and Brittani Froug

 

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