Thank you for attending the 2025 JoffreyNext Luncheon. Your presence and support are appreciated.

We are thrilled to share that thanks to the generosity of Make It Better Foundation, a $25,000 challenge grant was announced at the luncheon. This gift reflects their deep belief in the Joffrey’s mission and will amplify every contribution to the Joffrey made throughout October. 

If you were inspired by the luncheon and would like to further your impact, we invite you to join the challenge. Every contribution helps us expand access to transformative arts experiences.

Support the JoffreyNext Luncheon

Join the Make It Better Foundation challenge. Every gift continuing throughout the month will amplify the power of this generous contribution.

Thank You to Our Panelists

Celebrating Distinguished Women in Dance

Amanda Assucena, Joffrey Company Artist

Chanel DaSilva, Choreographer*

*Featured choreographer for upcoming performances of Joffrey at the Harris: Matters of the Heart | About Chanel DaSilva

Anne O'Donnell Passero, Stager and Grainger Academy Faculty

Moderating the Conversation: Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director

Joffrey Women's Board President | Farissa Knox

JoffreyNext Co-Chairs | Johanna Ferguson and Anne Forman

JoffreyNext Committee | Carolyn A. Blessing, Ellen Distelheim, Alexis Perez Gross, Sandi Hartstein, Megan N. Hoffmann, Marsha Kamen, Rachel Martell, Stephanie Nelson, and Cheryl Tama Oblander

About the Joffrey Women's Board

Founded in 2002, the Women’s Board advances the activities and prominence of The Joffrey Ballet as a leading cultural and educational institution.

Members embrace the spirit of philanthropy, expressing their passion for the Joffrey through advocacy and support. The Women’s Board raises over $2 million annually for The Joffrey Ballet. Members promote special, mission-driven fundraising efforts, such as the En Pointe initiative and the Joffrey’s Community Engagement programs. 

Learn more here.

Donations

JoffreyNext Luncheon Sponsors

JoffreyNext Luncheon Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

  • Make It Better Foundation

Lead Sponsor

  • Liz Stiffel

Visionary Sponsors

  • Anne L. Kaplan
  • Robert's Pizza & Dough Company

Empower Sponsors

  • Annie Atzeff
  • Capital Group Private Client Services
  • Easy Tax Appeals (Lauren DW Tatar, Esq.)
  • Jo Ferguson & Nick Grossi
  • Sandi Hartstein
  • Hoffmann Family of Companies
  • Jessica Jecmen
  • Rachel & Aaron Martell
  • Nathan Tannenbaum Foundation, Inc./ Ellen Diestelheim
  • SPACE 519
  • Cheryl Tama Oblander
  • Tutu School Franchises

Friend Sponsors

  • Anna Assenmacher
  • Paula Borg
  • Halie Braden
  • Rachel Cannon, Jim Meixner, & Baird
  • Nicole Davis
  • Anne and Randy Forman
  • Elizabeth Higashi
  • Marci Holzer
  • Farissa Knox
  • Karen Peters and Charles Frank
  • Ibby Pinsky
  • Susan Scanlon, MD
  • Liz Sharp
  • Chrissie Walker
  • Magnes Welsh