Association Of Fundraising Professionals Honors Orlando Ballet Volunteers For Philanthropy, Excellence and Commitment
Three long-time supporters are honored for their years of support
ORLANDO, FL – Friday, November 4, 2022 – Longtime Orlando Ballet supporters Sharon and
Marc Hagle along with Jennifer Socarras were honored Friday by the Association of Fundraising
Professionals (AFP) Central Florida Chapter at their annual National Philanthropy Day event,
citing their respective years of support for Orlando Ballet as well as numerous other Central
Florida organizations and causes.
Jennifer Socarras received the Excellence in Volunteerism Award while Sharon and Marc Hagle
received the H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award. Socarras was also recognized when
AFP awarded the ballet with its Innovation & Excellence in Fundraising Honor for the annual
Ballet Ball, which Socarras has overseen since its inception.
Nominated by Orlando Ballet, Sharon and Marc Hagle received the prestigious H. Clifford Lee
Lifetime Achievement Award for their profound philanthropic support for a vast number of
initiatives, many of which are focused on education. The couple is well known for their
particular interest in STEAM education issues including space and science. The Hagles recently
became the first married couple to participate on a commercial space flight aboard Blue
Origin’s New Shepard NS-20 flight. In addition to their support of the Astronaut Scholarship
Foundation, Sharon Hagle established SpaceKids Global which has connected more than
100,000 youngsters to space and STEM educational experiences.
Often quiet supporters of different causes, the Hagles have been high-profile fans and
champions of Orlando Ballet with Marc Hagle serving as an advisor on the building committee
for Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, which opened in 2020. Since 2017, Orlando Ballet has been
a proud recipient of the Marc and Sharon Hagle Scholarship Fund, which for five years has
provided scholarship funding for 72 aspiring dancers. Funding was recently extended for
another year.
The Hagles are loving stewards of the legacy of their friend Harriett Lake. As art collectors, the
Hagles commissioned a bronze sculpture of Harriett which was donated to and remains on
display at the home of Orlando Ballet. Sharon Hagle personally oversees maintaining a rotating
display in the lobby of Harriett’s beloved wardrobe, ensuring her presence is never forgotten.
Orlando Ballet Executive Director Cheryl Collins said, “Since my arrival at Orlando Ballet, Sharon
and Marc have made themselves available to assist in growing our mission, both due to their
commitment to education and in tribute to Harriett and her dreams for the ballet and our
students. Their visionary, multi-year investment and guidance have completely transformed our
scholarship program and the outcomes are incredible.”
Jennifer Socarras, who joined the Orlando Ballet Board of Directors in 2018 and who is a highly
respected philanthropist and community volunteer, was awarded the Excellence In
Volunteerism Award by AFP. Also nominated by Orlando Ballet, Jennifer is responsible for
developing and chairing the annual Ballet Ball, which has become Central Florida’s favorite goto
event.
Jennifer is recognized for her leadership, creativity, and extraordinary planning skills as they
relate in executing this major themed event. Socarras is credited for leading the way in finding a
safe path forward so the ball could take place during the height of the pandemic. She led her
nine-member committee, ballet staff and volunteers from the theme park industry to reimagine
a new model for the Ballet Ball that would allow guests to experience a highly
thematic, one-of-a-kind, top-tier event. Each year, attendees have been awe-struck and
inspired to support Orlando Ballet as a result. Jennifer is credited for having helped to
transform Orlando Ballet’s fundraising efforts and reputation in the community.
Like her philanthropic peers, Jennifer, is highly respected for her significant philanthropic
interests, which with her husband, Raul Socarras, include leading the UPSHOT Foundation and
serving as the Presenting Sponsor for the Gold Gala President’s Circle Dinner. Along with
supporting numerous other organizations, the Socarras have generously support Orlando Ballet
through their foundation.
“What Jennifer accomplishes each and every year is nothing short of amazing,” said Collins.
“She leads with incredible grace, humility and talent. And while she is most comfortable behind
the scenes, she has a bold vision that she executes beautifully and that explains why AFP
recognized the Ballet Ball for its innovation and excellence. We are inspired by her spirit and
unwavering commitment.”
Collins added, “The ongoing and very heartfelt support we receive from individuals like the
Hagles and Jennifer are critical to us as the premier professional performing arts group in
Central Florida. The fundraising benefits are significant, but their personal commitments of
time tell the rest of the community that ballet and Orlando Ballet matter. For that, we are
grateful.”
About Orlando Ballet:
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only fully residential professional ballet
company. Orlando Ballet produces year-round main stage productions at the Dr. Phillips Center
for the Performing Arts and Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, featuring timeless masterpieces
and innovative contemporary world premieres, achieving the highest level of professionalism
and artistic excellence. Orlando Ballet promotes dance education through community
enrichment programs, performance lecture demonstrations, the renowned Orlando Ballet
School, and Orlando Ballet II, a second pre-professional company to train and support dancers
as they approach the start of their dance careers. For information about Orlando Ballet, please
visit our website at OrlandoBallet.org.
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