Saturday, November 30th, the RubiGirls take the stage for their 23rd Annual ‘The Show Must Go On!’ The show, which was originally titled ‘To Care is To Cure,’ has become, for many, a Holiday Tradition.
‘What better way to give than to be entertained, laugh a lot and know your donations are helping people right here in the Miami Valley.’ says RubiFan, Brad Justice. ‘It’s exciting to be part of the energy at the show! Who doesn’t love Dana, Fonda and all the other Crazies!’
This year’s event takes place at the Brightside Event Space. Doors open at 7pm and the show kicks off at 8pm. The theme this year is ‘The RubiGirls in GAY as HELL!’
‘We had a record-breaking sell-out.’ says Brent Johnson, aka India Summer. Within 10 days we sold 90% of our tickets. ‘It’s humbling to know that people love our mission and see beyond the frivolity to the philanthropy!’
Speaking of Philanthropy, the RubiGirls were just awarded the Association of Fundraising Professionals Philanthropy Award. ‘It’s really a big deal.’ Says Tim Farquhar, Rubi’s Fonda Peters. We have worked really hard! We were never looking to receive awards or accolades, but just to keep our eyes on helping people.’ And help they have.
On the 30th, the RubiGirls will take in their 2,000,000th dollar. Driven by their mission, the RubiGirls have branched out from HIV/AIDS only donations, to helping all kinds of people across the Dayton Area…and beyond.
‘So many people know our history. Thirty-Five years in the making, we were here during the HIV crisis, through the fight for marriage equality and now, our hope is to change the atmosphere of intolerance and injustice in the US.’ Josh Stucky stated. Stucky is the sole RubiGirl to be with the group all 35 years. Farquhar took a brief break in the 90’s.
‘I feel like for Tim and me, we’ve seen the best of Rubi and the harder times. The harder times were those years when we wanted people to take us seriously as we asked for money in women’s clothing! I believe it was the persistence and the laughter that made it possible to help so many folks!’ he adds.
Many people have worried that the RubiGirls would fade away as the years past. ‘Heck no!’ says Jacob Sams, aka Jackie O. ‘The elder Girls have taught us all about fund-raising, philanthropy and the gift that Rubi really is to the community!’ O is one of the newer, younger RubiGirls, hell-bent on seeing it through for another generation. ‘There are always going to be people who need and we want to provide!’
This year’s show looks to be another hoot! New choreography, more parody and even a little classic Rubi will complete the line-up. ‘We are keeping it fresh, but we realize there are staples to these shows!’ says Alex Everett, Rubi’s Minnie Skirt.
The RubiGirls never seem to lose sight of their vision. Through dedication, cooperation and eyelashes these Daytonians have become models for performance groups across the country. ‘A Different Way to Make A Difference,’ is their battle-cry, and they certainly live by it!
The RubiGirls are a non-profit 501c3. To donate to the RubiGirls simply go to their Facebook Page or therubigirls.com. Merchandise is also available through their Website! You can also reach the RubiGirls by email at info@therubigirls.com.
