Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation Awards $20,000 to Local Nonprofit Leader

Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation has named David Lavalley, executive director, The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN), its 2024 John R. Heerwagen Award recipient. The Foundation awarded a one-time grant of $20,000 to Lavalley allowing him the flexibility to allocate the funds as needed to advance the mission of TCAN. 

Established in 2016, the John R. Heerwagen Award commends a resilient nonprofit leader whose contributions have significantly enhanced the well-being of community residents within the Foundation's community. It reflects the support that John R. Heerwagen, former CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank, provided to the Foundation and its efforts to help strengthen local nonprofits and his belief in the importance of developing and recognizing strong leaders.

Since 1997, TCAN has dedicated its resources to providing community access to diverse arts programs, reducing barriers to attendance, and building appreciation through arts education. For the past 20 years, Lavalley has served as executive director and has brought a diverse and rich background that has been instrumental in transforming the organization into a prominent cultural hub in the MetroWest.

Under Lavalley’s guidance, TCAN has grown from a small, grassroots arts venue to a dynamic community arts center, producing over 300 events annually, including music performances, children’s theater workshops, and screenings at its state-of-the-art digital cinema. Attendance has increased to nearly 30,000 patrons annually, coming from across the MetroWest region to experience TCAN's diverse offerings.

Lavalley’s impact extends beyond TCAN’s programming, with his leadership being instrumental in major business planning and financial initiatives. He spearheaded capital campaigns that helped eliminate the organization's outstanding debt, created a $100,000 reserve fund, and introduced technology innovations to modernize TCAN's operations and performances. Lavalley’s fundraising efforts have secured over $1.4 million in grants, helping to sustain TCAN’s growth and establish it as a cornerstone of Natick's cultural and economic vitality.

In addition to his leadership at TCAN, Lavalley has fostered lasting collaborations with local educational institutions, including Natick High School and Walnut Hill School for the Arts, providing students with access to professional-grade facilities and performances. Lavalley has also championed programs like the "Smile in Every Seat" initiative, which offers free tickets to economically disadvantaged individuals and families, ensuring that TCAN’s programming is accessible to all.

Lavalley's vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on the arts community in MetroWest. His unwavering commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community engagement continues to drive TCAN's success as a vibrant cultural institution. David’s ongoing efforts, including the recent launch of "The Next Stage Capital Campaign," ensure that TCAN will remain a vital center for the arts for years to come. 

Says TCAN Associate Director, Erin Basile, “His leadership has propelled TCAN to achieve remarkable success as a regional nonprofit performing arts center. We would not be who we are now without him. David's commitment goes beyond his role; he invests deeply in his staff and volunteers. As a leader, David recognizes commitment and talent, and fosters it wherever possible.”