Rockland Trust Makes Pledge To The New England Center for the Performing Arts

The New England Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce that Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation has made a leadership capital campaign pledge of $100,000 toward the development of a new regional performing arts complex in Franklin.

Building on 25 successful years of performing arts education and responding to a growing national demand for quality arts education, the New England Center for the Performing Arts has embarked on a capital campaign to bring a new state-of-the-art performing arts complex to the Metrowest region. The 501(c)(3) charitable organization brings together the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and the Franklin Performing Arts Company, under the leadership of Raye Lynn Mercer. The new 60,000 square foot facility, located in the Town of Franklin, will be the only one of its kind and is poised to have a tremendous cultural and economic impact on the region.

In support of the campaign, the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation recently made a leadership pledge in the amount of $100,000 to The Center. In honor of this contribution, Rockland Trust has been awarded naming rights to a fully appointed drama studio in the new facility. "Rockland Trust is committed to strengthening the communities in which we work and live," stated Chris Oddleifson, President and CEO, "as Arts programs are reduced in many school systems, the New England Center for the Performing Arts complex will help bridge the gap, by providing our communities in the Metrowest region access to performing arts programs, instruction and live performances."

Founded by Raye Lynn Mercer in 1985 the Franklin School for the Performing Arts has grown to serve more than 1000 students annually from 45 different communities. Young people are able to pursue mastery of the arts with professional training whether they participate for recreation or plan to pursue the arts for college and career. The new complex will allow for expansion of the current curriculum as well as the ability to offer additional programming, including offerings for seniors and individuals with special needs. Mercer says "Rockland Trust is a great friend of our project, as was Benjamin Franklin Bank in years past. We are thrilled with their leadership as a community business partner of the New England Center for the Performing Arts. We need the participation of corporations and individuals throughout the region to bring our plans for a spectacular performing arts facility to fruition. We are grateful for Rockland Trust's generous demonstration of support."
For information of the capital campaign, please contact Alan Mercer at 508-528-8668 or visit the website www.necpaonline.com.