ST. PAUL, Minn. (June 17, 2025) — On the evening of June 26, hundreds of arts supporters will gather in downtown Saint Paul for the Ordway Ruby Garden Gala. The annual event – which typically raises more than $500,000 – provides vital funding to support dynamic theater, concerts and arts learning initiatives at the Ordway. It also benefits the Arts Partnership, a collaboration between the four organizations that perform regularly at the Ordway: The Minnesota Opera, Ordway, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club.
This year’s gala holds special significance as the Ordway marks its 40th anniversary. The evening will also honor Phyllis Rawls Goff for the meaningful impact she makes in the Twin Cities community. Goff will be celebrated for her unwavering civic engagement with several nonprofit organizations that currently include the Arts Partnership, Penumbra Theatre, Minnesota Historical Society, Jerome Foundation and Saint Paul YWCA. Her past volunteer involvements include the McKnight Foundation, Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Wilder Foundation, Mardag Foundation, Montessori Training Center, and many others.
“For 40 years, the Ordway has been a cornerstone of exceptional artistic, educational, and cultural experiences and we are beyond fortunate to have a community of generous supporters and champions of our work,” said Ordway President and CEO Chris Harrington. “We’re proud to honor and celebrate the incomparable Phyllis Rawls Goff, whose passion for connecting people through the power of the arts, commitment to community impact, and deep love of Saint Paul mirrors the Ordway’s own.”
The program, hosted by WCCO-TV’s Frank Vascellaro, will celebrate popular shows from the Ordway’s 40-year history and preview the upcoming 2025-2026 Broadway at the Ordway season. The evening will feature performances by local artists and will include silent and live auctions. Catering will be provided by The Saint Paul Hotel. A limited number of tickets remain and can be purchased at ordway.org/gala.
ABOUT THE ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, the Ordway is a leading performing arts center that is home to a variety of performances that encompass the finest in Broadway musicals, concerts, dance and vocal artists. Renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and comfortable environment, the Ordway includes a 1,900-seat Music Theater, a state-of-the-art, 1,100-seat Concert Hall and spacious lobbies. Each summer, the Ordway presents the Flint Hills Family Festival, one of the longest-standing and most accessible events of its kind in the country.
2025 is a milestone year for the Ordway, as it’s celebrating the 40th anniversary of its founding, the 25th annual Flint Hills Family Festival and the 10th anniversary of the Concert Hall’s opening. The Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership, a collaboration of the four performing arts organizations that serve audiences at the Ordway. The Ordway’s mission is to be a cornerstone of exceptional artistic, educational and cultural experiences. Learn more at ordway.org.