When Annie Joslin purchased the American Ballet Academy in Salem in 2004, she staged her first production of the Nutcracker, and decided to donate the proceeds ($2,800) to the Salem Hospital Foundation.

Fast forward ten years. Annie had no idea that the holiday Nutcracker performances she coordinated would not only become a local tradition, but also would grow so large that they had to be held at the Elsinore Theatre.

The 11^th Nutcracker performance, held in December, raised $10,200 for the Salem Hospital Foundation’s pediatric unit.

“We are so grateful to everyone at American Ballet Academy for their support – from the staff and dancers, to all the parents and everyone who attended the performances,” said Sherri Partridge, the Foundation’s Annual Giving Officer. “Each year we look forward to not only seeing this beautiful show, but also waiting with anticipation for when Annie gives us the results of their amazing contribution!”

Since the first performance in 2004, American Ballet Academy has donated over $100,000 to the Salem Hospital Foundation.

“I always hoped the children’s Nutcracker would turn into a big community event, but never thought we would bring in over 2,000 people each holiday season to see our productions, and would be able to donate such a significant amount of money to the hospital,“ said Annie.