NEW BRIGHTON, MINN. (Sept. 26, 2008) – Bright lights and beautiful Minnesota fall weather accompanied the Ivey Awards on Sept. 22, held at the Historic State Theatre in the Minneapolis Hennepin Theatre District. The celebration of Twin Cities’ theater— from those in the theater community to its audiences and supporters — was a festive evening that included entertainment by actors, singers and performers from the theater community, and emceed by local and national noted hosts, including The Guthrie Theatre’s Little House on the Prairie stars Melissa Gilbert and Steve Blanchard. The Ivey Awards recognized both theater organizations and individuals with 11 awards.

Sponsored by Risdall Advertising Agency, Target Corporation, Wells Fargo, Actors Equity and KARE 11, the fourth annual Ivey Awards have no formal categories and don’t preannounce nominees. The winners are selected in two ways: 100 volunteers see every show throughout the year and recommend winners, and additionally, theater representatives and the general public can vote at the Ivey Awards’ Web site.

“I’ve always had a profound love and respect for the arts,” said John Risdall, vice chairman and CEO of Risdall Marketing Group. “Our involvement with the Ivey’s has only enhanced that — and to that end, it is absolutely wonderful to have a voting voice as an avid theater goer.”

For the past four years, RMG, through its arts and entertainment division Risdall Entertainment Group (REG), has shown its commitment to the arts and culture of the Twin Cities by being a founding sponsor of the Ivey Awards and managing the award’s Web site. Most recently, the agency created the interface for the Web voting system that determines reward recipients.

Additionally, next years events will also feature an award sponsored by Risdall Marketing Group.

“The Ivey’s are just intoxicating,” said John Risdall. “We are so excited and honored to be involved in a deep partnership with such an amazing cause.” 

REG serves over 60 clients including the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest, Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts, McNally Smith College of Music and over 35 of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities.