Grant Allows Orlando Ballet to Reach New Artistic Heights and Organizational Growth
August 5, 2019, (ORLANDO, Fla.) — Orlando Ballet recently received a $100,000 grant from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation (EBCF) that will allow the organization to invest in the implementation of new, cutting-edge technology, expand community enrichment programs, and push the envelope artistically. The executive director’s office in Orlando Ballet’s soon to be completed new home, Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, will be named in honor of the Foundation.
Because Orlando Ballet’s positive change and growth under the leadership of executive director, Shane Jewell, aligns so well with its mission to create innovative civic solutions, EBCF requested its naming opportunity be the executive director’s office. Jewell has made significant changes to the organization in collaboration with artistic director, Robert Hill and Orlando Ballet’s board of directors, to continue Orlando Ballet’s upward trajectory. EBCF’s generous gift will support Jewell’s vision for the organization, and Orlando Ballet’s overall mission to entertain, educate and enrich through the highest quality of dance.
“Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation is a very well respected, inspiring organization that has impacted so many non-profits in the community and beyond, and it’s an honor that Orlando Ballet was awarded this significant contribution,” said Jewell. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Foundation. Thank you for being champions of the arts and believing in Orlando Ballet’s mission. This gift is going to help us grow as we begin a new chapter for Orlando Ballet.”
EBCF’s generous grant will allow Orlando Ballet to invest in the implementation of new technology such as digital projections and cutting-edge software, expand community enrichment programs, and reach new artistic heights as the organization moves into Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre. Orlando Ballet’s new state-of-the-art facility will help bring forward thinking industry leaders and innovative choreographers to train dancers and produce new works, increase performances and community events, and truly push the envelope on what dance can be as an art form. The Foundation’s support will also help ensure a successful opening of Orlando Ballet’s new home.
“Our job is to identify and invest in innovative leaders and organizations that are capable of making major progress in the community,” said president and CEO of Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, David Odahowski. “Evaluating the Orlando Ballet and its leadership, we are confident this gift will have a substantial impact in the arts and the other sectors of our community, driving creativity, innovation and economic vitality. Edyth Bush was a former dancer and lover of the arts herself, and this grant is a great nod to our founder and to the Orlando Ballet.”
About Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation:
The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation creates innovative civic solutions to help people help themselves. Advancing philanthropy around the state of Florida, the Foundation builds caring networks and helps nonprofit organizations be better managed, governed and led. Board Members are Richard J. Walsh, Chairman; Matthew W. Certo, Vice Chairman & Corporate Secretary; David A. Odahowski, President & CEO; Elizabeth A. Dvorak; Anne B. Kerr, Ph.D.; Patricia J. Engfer; and John A. Riley. For more information on the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, please visit edythbush.org.
About Orlando Ballet:
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only fully residential professional ballet company. Under the helm of artistic director, Robert Hill, Orlando Ballet produces year round main stage productions at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 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 professional company to train and support dancers at the start of their dance careers.
