RubiNewsday – Q4 2025
BEST SEASON EVER!
RubiNewsday Q4 2025
THE SHOW MUST GO ON RETURNS!
The RubiGirls have been exceptionally busy in 2025, it has been dubbed their ‘Best Season Ever!’ It all comes to a close on Saturday, November 29th with the Grandmother of all shows, ‘The Show Must Go On!’ the show has been a constant in Dayton even before the RubiGirls became the hostesses of the juggernaut. ‘Early on in Dayton Gay History, Drag Queens from every bar boarded a bus and went venue to venue putting on a show which then was called ‘To Care is To Cure.’ That went on for 3 or 4 years until it just became such a liability that 1470 West took on the whole thing. After years of the show being there, the fast growing House of Rubi started ‘The Show Must Go On’ at the new Celebrity Nightclub … “and it hasn’t stopped since.’ says Marsha Kellam (copied from RN, 1995.) The Show Must Go On is the largest fun raiser in the RubiGlrls’ performance season. The event can bring in upwards of 600 tickets and thousands of dollars. This year looks to be another great one with a great cast, and possibility of a few surprise returns! There is still time to join the big party by going to therubigirls.com and purchasing tickets. While you visit the website, you will notice there is a donation area as well as a sponsor area where you can get your name on the famous RubiGirl traveling banner! Other highlights of the evening include a silent auction, games on stage, masterful video work from Mitosis, a shout-out to our beneficiaries and much much more. The show is at the Historic Arcade in downtown Dayton. It plays the perfect holiday backdrop to the Rubi Show!
DRAG SYNDROME AND THE TRANSFORMATIONAL SHOW!
lf you follow ‘Drag Syndrome‘ on IG or FB, you know, they have come into their spotlight recently. They have been on stage with some big names, and have been hobnobbing with the likes of Chappel Roan and the leader of Iceland. It’s all too much to believe for these humble performers. It was a night that truly changed Rubi. Certainly, the Girls are used to a fundraiser, but so many times they perform alone, or never get to see others who raise money for like organizations. That changed at EPIC – Elevating Independence show, a fundraiser in Ravenna, Ohio that took place on 10/10/25.
OVER $10,000 RAISED!
The RubiGirls and Drag Syndrome shared the stage in a performance that not only raised funds it raised awareness for all involved. Drag Syndrome, a group that lives in the UK, opened many peoples’ minds and hearts to what’s possible from people of all kinds. This was not lost on the RubiGirls who found the show heart-warming and important. After the show, the Girls and DS made their way to a local honky-tonk where beers flowed and heels came off. From there, the Girls made their way to the BNB provided to them by the EPIC team and much needed sleep happened!
The money raised at the event will go to help with adaptive equipment for folks learning to live independently in the beautiful homes EPIC provides. It was a magical evening, and much was gained from this little show in this little town!
DANA! – The ‘Founding Mothers’ Interviews with Dana Sintell
For the entire 42 years in RubiHistory, only one GIRL has been there for all of it. Now, reflecting on the past and thinking about the future, Dana Sintell gets real, raw and rough!
RN: I guess we start with this: Have you ever missed a show?
DS: Oh yes. I think Fonda and I sat down over beers and figured I have missed 6 or 7 in 42 years. Not too shabby! I mean, we estimate there have been around 325 shows… so, hey. Not bad!
RN: What sticks in your mind about the early days?
DS: We were very young. We were really great friends who found an outlet and just had a ball. I tear up when I think about all of that! We saw each other through a lot in those days.
RN: Certainly in that time period you must have regrets or second guesses.
DS: Of course. People are no longer in my daily life that I love and care very much about. That’s the way we evolve. I wish for the days of all of us in that harmonious time we shared. It was magical!
RN: Do you feel Rubi is still doing its thing?
DS: And then some. It was for FUN, period. It always has been about FUN! And then, layers upon layers made the load a bit heavier at times. We have a lot going on in this little organization. But when you weigh the ways in which we have helped so many people, it all seems so worth it!
RN: Tell me about some of your favorite RubiGirls to perform with, and the moments on stage you cherish!
DS: Oh lord. I love to perform, and having strong performers up there with me feels so satisfying. We all have good and bad shows. It’s hard to escape that. Each of these Girls has a gift. That’s what makes it work. In particular, I have always loved sitting back and watching a production by Tara; something off-color by Fonda; Cherry’s energy, Taj’s craziness. Jackie’s bubbliness. Ileasa doing something obscure. Of course, India stops the shows. I appreciate what everyone brings to the table!
RN: And who do you miss?
DS: I miss the old me. The old them. I miss the old free and easy way things were. Now we have to test the waters, think about politics, clear the air. I hate that. Rubi was never boxed in, but we all are now!
RN: I heard you say that losing your mom was a big game changer for you, especially within Rubi. What do you mean?
DS: When my mother died, a huge part of the ‘why’ went away. I loved entertaining my mom…pretty much my whole life. I mean, I would do shows at home and make her watch everything I did. She’d clap or boo, or laugh…it was like a drug to me. When she died, I wondered why I hadn’t realized her impact and importance in my performing side of life. It has never been the same for me. She loved the RubiGirls…thought of them as STARS!
RN: After this many years, what is actually left for you? I mean, where to now?
DS: Onward and upward. That is my token answer to that question. You can’t ever imagine you are done. That’s a fate worse than death. I know many folks who have settled into their life, and they are very content with it. I can’t operate like that. Dana isn’t done…she’s up to something!
RN: But, I have heard many times you are heading for the exit…
DS: I am heading for the exit…but this hallway is a long one with a ton of doors to open along the way!
RN: I have to ask you to repeat the story of the young man with HIV in Columbus, I believe. That story just holds such power, and promise.
DS: Very early on in Rubi’s quest to make a difference, we did a show in Columbus. They had never seen anything like us before up there. Bawdy, ridiculous, silly. After the show, I believe it was Ileasa, Annie and I were outside, probably near a dumpster grabbing our clothes, and a beautiful couple walked up and stopped us. One of them said ‘excuse us’ and then stated,’This is my boyfriend Jeffry. We met you at a healing weekend (the RubiGirls used to perform at weekends for folks with HIV around the state of Ohio)…we thought you were so funny. Jeffry asked me to find out where you would be next and we drove down from Toledo to see you for 2 reasons. You really make us laugh and forget the hard parts of all of the HIV stuff. And you made us feel cared for.’ I mean, that’s what this is ALL ABOUT! Every single show is letting people know they are cared for. I think we hugged those boys for 10 minutes each.
RN: WOW Okay, so let’s cap it all off like this…if you were going to put together a show in a place you have performed, and with songs you got to choose, and performers you’d love to see…name it!
DS: Love it! Well, definitely, we would be performing back at the Celebrity Stage. It was one of a kind and the audience just seemed so engaged in that place. I’d grab Annie, Penni, Lupe, Jackie D, Anita, Francine, Fonda, Esther, India, and Marsha. I want to see us all together again. Just for one more show. We would do Dreamgirls for sure! And I think the whole show would end with ‘Someday, We’ll Be Together’ by the Supremes. Seems Fitting!
The RubiGirls Board has been pretty static over the last three years. All running smoothly. But, in recent months, there has been talk of change in the air. The BOARD which consists of Jon McNeal, Timothy Farquhar and Executive Director, Josh Stucky is looking to spread the responsibilities around among some of the folks wanting to lend a hand to the organization. As it stands, The Executive Director and BOARD members will remain, but a two or three new positions will pop into play. One of those positions will be that of Creative Director, handling shows, appearances and the likes. The second will be the physical plant at 1207 Wayne Ave, and the corresponding rental upstairs. Last will be sales and assistant treasurer. The idea is that the Rubi Organization continues to grow and more and more help is needed. The changes will be voted on in the coming month and from there we will keep you posted!
TOP FLOOR HITS BRINGS IN BIG $$
The Foundry atop the Marriott invited Rubi Back for a second go-round. The show was big money maker highlighting Crayons to Classrooms, No Kid Hungry. DAI and DPAA! The idea for Top Floor Hits came from the idea that Rubi rarely shares their big numbers that are solos. The audience was a fresh one and the new faces seemed intrigued by Ru bis’ ability to command a party! Overall, more than $6000 was taken in to help the area non-profits! Congrats ladies!
JOIN CLUB 42!
Starting on 11/11, you can enter to win some fabulous Rubi Inspired Prizes! How? You ask … by joining Club 42! We are celebrating our 42nd Year by starting a winner’s club. Here is how it works: go to therubigirls.com and donate $42 to the RubiGirls Scholarship Fund. Your name will be put in the tumbler to win one of our big Rubi Prizes, including dinners for 2, local Theater tickets, Merchandise, free Rubi Tickets …. and much more!
All your proceeds will go to our scholarship fund to ensure students have a fighting chance at their chosen degree in their chosen college! Click on the link at our website starting 11/11/25! Good luck!
SPONSOR OUR 2026 SEASON!
It’s that time of year again. As you may remember, … the RubiGirls take a banner with all their sponsors everywhere they go throughout the season.
Well, it is time again to get your name on the banner. This year, the levels haven’t changed much. To get your name of the banner, a sponsorship of the low, low price of $1000 does the trick. Don’t forget, the sponsorships also get you tickets to ‘The Show Must Go ON!’ Here is a pretty… good breakdown of what the levels looks like!
- $1000 – Kitten Heel Level, 2 Preferred Seating tix.
- $1500 – Pump Level, 2 VIP Tix. T
- $2500 – Platform Level – 4 VIP Tix.
- $5000 – Stiletto 6 VIP Tix
- $7500 or more – Thigh High – 8 VIP tix.
NEW MERCH PREMIERES!
Dog Bandanas. Half Tees. Jock Straps. Rubi is at it again!
This time around, the merch for 2026 looks to broaden the net. ‘Always exciting to see what pops up at TSMGO for the fans. This year will be another treat. I have heard about the jock strap … that leaves me curious to say the least!’ says Fonda Peters.
100 Beneficiaries. $100,000+
Once again, the RubiGirls Foundation will grant $100,000 to 100 non-profits in the Dayton Area. The Grants program turned its eye directly to the Dayton Area and more LGBTQ+ causes in 2025. Looking at everything that has occurred in and around the area, the Girls realized that, although fun to donate to start-ups around the US, Dayton is the city most in need of local philanthropy. With that in mind, the Girls opened the floodgates in January 2025 …. and the grants just kept happening. As of this newsletter, the goal of $100,000 and 100 NPs was just about there. No doubt by Thanksgiving, the Girls will have surpassed their ‘unwritten’ objective. All totaled, the Girls hope to announce they have helped raise $4 million to date. An unbelievable accomplishment!
NEWBI RUBI RETURNS?
There is talk of a ‘Newbi Rubi’ pageant. It appears many think the time has come to bring in another round of fresh talent!
Although there is no confirmation, it sounds like this is a real thing …. more to come!
MINNIE GOES ON HIGH-ATUS
Fan Fave Minnie Skirt is hanging up the heels … for now! The highly-talented Skirt says she needs a break.
Though fans are freaking out, she promises to surface in the future. We are hopeful!!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR FABULOUS SPONSORS! - RUBIGIVE REMAINS SOLID
No doubt we have all been hearing about the changes and challenges to non-profits. For the RubiGive fund, things are better than many! ‘I credit our board with stewarding our funds so well. We have looked at best practices for these tighter times and followed suit! So far, so good. Our grants program is strong and we plan to help as many non-profits as possible. But…times are tricky!’
SUPPORT THE RUBI GIRLS FOUNDATION
Your donation ensures that the Rubi Girls Foundation can continue to provide financial support to organizations in need.
Get your name on the donor wall and donate today!