The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN) was founded in 1997 with the belief that the arts are not just entertainment — they are a basis for communication among diverse segments of the community that allows people to meet, understand and accept one another. Toward that end, TCAN offers a wide variety of programs. It develops young people’s interest in the arts through Summer Arts Camps, Afterschool Acting Workshops and Children’s Dance Theater. TCAN also hosts a year-round calendar of weekend concert performances by national and regional musicians, crossing all genres and including a classical chamber music series, folk artists, traditional and modern jazz, world music and pop/rock performers. And on a visual level, the Center hosts art gallery exhibits, while the TCAN Players offer community theater performances. Support for TCAN and its programming has grown significantly in the last decade. Patrons filled over 18,000 seats for concert and theater programs at TCAN in 2005, with over 2,000 participants in dance and theater classes throughout the year, and 300 events. Support reaches well beyond TCAN's hometown of Natick. Its success has become the foundation for a multi-year capital campaign to purchase and restore Natick’s historic Central Firehouse building, originally constructed in 1875, as a dedicated performance space and gallery. An anonymous donor has offered to match 50% of all capital funding received annually for the next three years. If you believe in the power of the arts, please help.