Dr. Phillips Charities’ Holiday Gift of The Nutcracker Connects Thousands of Central Florida Children to the Arts
Partnering with Orlando Ballet, the annual event shared a meaningful holiday tradition with more than 1,000 children and families from local nonprofit organizations
ORLANDO, Fla. (December 23, 2025) – Children and families from dozens of nonprofit and community organizations across Central Florida filled Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on a December afternoon, many stepping inside a theatre – and into the world of live ballet – for the very first time.
For the second year in a row, Dr. Phillips Charities gifted a full performance of Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker, brought to you by Orlando Health, to thousands of children and adults served by organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Special Hearts Farm, Make-A-Wish, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Scouting America Central Florida, UCP of Central Florida, Family Promise of Greater Orlando, Lift Orlando and others. The evening transformed a beloved holiday tradition into an experience rooted in belonging, access and shared joy.
Before the curtain rose, the arts center buzzed with excitement as families participated in holiday crafts, photo moments and a special story time with dancers from the production. For many children, this experience marked their first visit to a performing arts venue, and their first encounter with storytelling through music and movement.
“I loved seeing The Nutcracker. It was so funny. I really loved the goose,” said Sagan, 7, a participant from Boys & Girls Clubs. “The dancers were so amazing that they really made my heart sing. They made me want to dance, too!”
Delighting everyone with its immersive stage design, elaborate puppetry, and larger-than-life toys, the reimagined production, choreographed by Orlando Ballet Artistic Director Jorden Morris, is designed to draw audiences into the story – especially those experiencing ballet for the first time.
“My favorite part in The Nutcracker was when Clara was flying with the Sugar Plum Fairies,” said Sophie, 9. “I also liked when the Nutcracker was fighting with the Mouse King.”
For Central Florida nonprofit partners, the evening represented more than entertainment.
“Opportunities like this are powerful for our kids as they open doors to experiences many would not otherwise have access to,” said Jamie Merril, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. “Exposure to the arts expands their horizons, sparks creativity and helps young people begin to imagine futures they may not have known were possible.”
Participants from Special Hearts Farms attended alongside family members, turning the performance into a shared memory.
“I went to The Nutcracker, and it was a really great experience,” said Connor, a Special Hearts Farm program participant. “I loved watching the dancers, and this was my first time seeing the show. I went with my dad, and it was really nice to spend that time together.”
Dr. Phillips Charities’ approach to holiday giving reflects a long-standing philosophy rooted in the Phillips family legacy, one that emphasizes shared experiences and access to culture as a way to enrich lives.
“Dr. Phillips Charities carries forward the spirit of the Phillips family by opening doors to experiences that matter,” said Ken Robinson, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities. “Partnering with Orlando Ballet has allowed us to create special moments that will stay with families long after the holidays end.”
The full list of attendees included children and families from 4Roots Farm, Better Together, Black Architects in the Making, Boys & Girls Club, Central Florida YMCA, Edgewood Children’s Ranch, Family Promise of Greater Orlando, Foundation for Foster Children, Grace Counseling Center, Grace Medical Home, Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund, Jewish Family Services, Joshua’s House Foundation, Lift Orlando, Make-A-Wish, New Hope for Kids, New Image Youth Center, Orlando Day Nursery, Per Scholas, Reed Charitable Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Scouting America Central Florida, Special Hearts Farm, UCP of Central Florida, Victim Service Center, Welbourne Day Nursery, Winter Park Day Nursery and the Nobilo Foundation.
About Orlando Ballet
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only fully residential professional ballet company. Orlando Ballet produces 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.
Social Media Links
Orlando Ballet (@orlandoballet): Facebook | Instagram
About Dr. Phillips and Dr. Phillips Charities
Dr. P. Phillips was a visionary whose charitable contributions and entrepreneurship helped create a vibrant, thriving community in Central Florida. The Dr. Phillips name has been a major economic and philanthropic presence in the Central Florida community since the turn of the 20th century. Dr. Phillips Charities (Dr. Phillips Inc. and The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation) uses the earnings from its investment and real estate income to give financial assistance to hundreds of charities serving primarily in Orange and Osceola counties. Dr. Phillips has contributed more than $261 million in grants, pledges and program-related investments to Central Florida charities responding to the needs of the community and directly touching the lives of thousands of children and families. Learn more at www.DrPhillips.org.
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Social Media Links
Dr. Phillips Charities (@drphillipscharities): Facebook | Instagram
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