Michelle Hagerty practices with her dance partner, Jan Clancy, at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Boca Raton for the 18th annual Boca’s Ballroom Battle. She’ll be competing against seven other community leaders and their dance partners for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
After months of lessons and fundraising, Michelle Hagerty will surely glide over the dance floor with grace at the 18th annual Boca’s Ballroom Battle Sept. 20 in The Boca Raton’s Grand Ballroom. With this year’s theme “British Invasion,” the event is the George Snow Scholarship Fund’s largest annual fundraiser.
Competing against seven other community leaders and their dance partners, Hagerty and Jan Clancy from Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Boca Raton are vying for the Mirror Ball Trophy.
“We practice our routine three times a week,” she said, adding that while a choreographer came up with their routine, she was able to choose her music — but at this point, it’s a secret.
“This is my first time ever ballroom dancing,” she said. “And I do have a newfound respect for ballroom dancers. It’s difficult but a lot of fun. We are having a great time.”
She will look the part, too, she said. “They custom-made an outfit for me. It’s absolutely gorgeous and bedazzled. I feel like I’m on Dancing With The Stars.”
The George Snow Scholarship Fund, which provides educational grants and support services to students within the community, was established as a memorial to Snow, a Boca Raton developer who disappeared over the Bahamas while in a helicopter in 1980.
“My family and friends of my father at that time generously contributed to the formation of this organization,” said the organization’s president and Snow’s son, Tim Snow.
Since its inception, the fund has awarded more than $37 million in educational grants, and this dance event has been a successful fundraiser toward that end, he said. The event is already sold out and 900 guests are expected to attend.
“We are hoping it will bring in $1.8 million. That would be a record year for us; $1.3 million, raised in 2023, is our record.”
Hagerty explained that dancing is just part of each competitor’s efforts, because the dancer who has raised the most money will win the Mirror Ball Trophy.
“I am asking my family and friends to sponsor my dancing in whatever way they can,” she said. Tickets are sold out, but people can still donate directly, or buy a raffle ticket or an ad in the program at ballroombattle.com.
Now that the big day is drawing near, Hagerty, 45, does admit that she’ll be “100% glad when it is over. I’m having so much fun and I love learning a new skill, but it’s very intense. But I’ll also miss it.”
A dedicated philanthropist, she’s been busy. While revving up for the big dance, she recently donated $2 million to the Palm Beach County Food Bank in support of its community kitchen.
Youth wellness and sports are her favorite causes. “I believe every child deserves the chance to feel included, supported and confident. Sports have the power to teach discipline, teamwork and resilience — skills that can change the course of a child’s life. I would never be able to choose just one cause that I care deeply about.”
At the top of her list are the Palm Beach County Food Bank, Sweet Dream Makers, Place of Hope, the George Snow Scholarship Fund, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
“Each of these organizations addresses a critical need in our community, from feeding families to giving children a safe place to grow and learn. Supporting them allows me to help create opportunities and hope for those who need it most,” Hagerty said.
So what’s next after Hagerty catches her breath? In addition to being mom to Oliver, 16, and Ella, 14, she will continue to be involved with their school, St. Andrew’s, as well as with various charities in Boca Raton and the county.
She also enjoys running and loves starting her mornings outside. “It’s my time to recharge, clear my head, and set the tone for the day,” she says.
— Christine Davis
Q: Where did you grow up and go to school? How do you think that has influenced you?
A: I grew up in Maine and attended the University of Southern Maine. Growing up in a small, close-knit community taught me the value of hard work, humility and looking out for others — lessons that continue to shape how I approach philanthropy and giving back to my community today.
Q: What professions have you worked in? What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: I began my career in New York City in advertising sales before moving to Florida, where I served as vice president of Florida sales for White Rock Distilleries. I’m proud of the relationships I built and the leadership skills I developed, but I’m even prouder of how that experience gave me the confidence to pivot toward philanthropy and focus on making an impact in my community.
Q: What advice do you have for a young person selecting a career today?
A: Choose something that excites you, not just something that looks good on paper. Be curious, work hard, and don’t be afraid to take risks or change paths — you learn the most from the pivots.
Q: How did you choose to make your home in Boca Raton?
A: We (she and her husband, Michael) chose coastal Boca Raton because it felt like the perfect place to raise a family. The schools, the sense of community, and the opportunity to be involved in causes that matter to me made it an easy decision.
Q: What is your favorite part about living in Boca Raton?
A: I love the sense of connection here. Boca is full of families who care deeply about their community, and it’s a place where I can be fully immersed in the organizations and causes that are closest to my heart.
Q: What book are you reading now?
A: The Power of Giving Away Power by Matthew Barzun. It’s a wonderful reminder of how leadership and generosity are deeply connected.
Q: What music do you listen to when you need inspiration? When you want to relax?
A: When I need inspiration, I love anything upbeat and empowering — something that lifts my energy. I run with music every morning and it is usually something from the ’90s. You really can’t beat ’90s hip hop.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote that inspires your decisions?
A: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” It reminds me every day that generosity isn’t just a choice, it’s a responsibility.
Q: Have you had mentors in your life? Individuals who have inspired your life decisions?
A: Yes, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who taught me the importance of leading with kindness and purpose. Their example encouraged me to use my time and resources to create opportunities for others. This community has had many philanthropic women that have paved the path for me to follow in their footsteps.
Q: If your life story were made into a movie, who would you want to play you?
A: Reese Witherspoon — she brings warmth, energy and a little humor to everything she does, which feels like the perfect fit.
If You Go
What: 18th annual Boca’s Ballroom Battle
Where: Grand Ballroom at The Boca Raton, 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton
When: Doors open at 6 p.m., event begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 20
Why: Fundraiser for the George Snow Scholarship Fund
Tickets: Sold out, but you can support your favorite dancer and the George Snow Scholarship Fund by making a donation online even if you can’t attend.
Info: ballroombattle.com
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