The Jacksonville Symphony has received a $5 million gift from longtime supporters Preston and Joan Haskell. This is the largest single gift in the symphony’s 75-year history, and it will have a lasting impact on its future.
The donation will support the symphony’s endowment fund and capital improvements to Jacoby Symphony Hall. The gift will provide a stable financial foundation for the symphony and will help ensure that the Jacksonville Symphony continues to deliver world-class performances, expand arts education programs and foster meaningful community engagement for generations to come.
Preston and Joan Haskell have a rich legacy of championing the Jacksonville Symphony and the broader arts community. Preston Haskell has served multiple terms as president of the symphony’s board of directors, and his visionary leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future. He was instrumental in the creation of Jacoby Symphony Hall, leading the $22 million campaign in 1993 that brought the symphony’s new home to life while also significantly expanding the symphony’s endowment.
Joan Haskell's leadership has been equally impactful, having served as president of the Symphony Guild from 1976 to 1978, where she helped advance the symphony’s mission and its community outreach. Together, the Haskells’ continued support to the symphony has left an impact for generations to enjoy.
