2025 Masquerade Gala

Join us on March 14, 2025 for our Masquerade Gala fundraiser to support the impactful programs of the Mass Arts Center. From 6:30 to 11:00 PM at Lakeview Pavilion in Foxborough, MA, you’ll enjoy cocktail hour, dinner, and a live auction of exclusive items and experiences — all to support The Mass Arts Center’s mission to enrich our community through the arts. You’ll also be able to participate in our exciting raffles for fabulous prizes or cash! Meanwhile, our online silent auction will be lively, with gift basket treasures, fine art, jewelry, and unique experiences you could win. Together, we will celebrate creativity, foster connections, and raise vital funds to empower artists and arts education throughout our region. Join us for Mass Arts Center’s annual fundraiser, a memorable night that will have a lasting impact on our community and on the students of our arts academy.

“Make it Rain” Umbrella Raffle Winner:

Amy Garrabrant of Mansfield

Big Cash Raffle Winners

Fourth Prizes – $500 cash winners
Lois Corr of Norton and Paula Lombardi of Franklin
Third Prize – $1000 cash winner
Laurie Bubencik of Foxboro
Second Prize – $1500 cash winner
Jennifer Vaught of Kansas
First Prize – $2500 cash winner
David Santoro of Mansfield

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Our 2025 Honorees

• Director of the Year – Steve Dooner
• Volunteer of the Year – Patricia McDougal
• Business Sponsor of the Year – Bob Saquet, Eggers Furniture
• Distinguished Artist Award – Dale Stephanos

Steve Dooner has been a transformative force at the Mass Arts Center, bringing his visionary direction to our stage for over a decade. His contemporary interpretations of Shakespearean classics have captivated audiences, making these timeless works accessible, thought-provoking, and deeply engaging. Steve’s unique adaptation of A Christmas Carol, told through the perspective of Scrooge’s lost love, Belle, was a standout favorite, offering a fresh and heartfelt lens on Dickens’ classic tale of redemption. His dedication, passion, and remarkable intellect have profoundly enriched our actors, designers, and patrons alike. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, we are proud to honor Steve Dooner as our 2025 Director of the Year.

Pat McDougal has been a cornerstone of the Mass Arts Center’s success, dedicating over 16 years of exceptional volunteer service. Since joining the Board of Directors in 2009, Pat has proven to be an invaluable and tireless contributor, serving on key committees such as the Gala and Development Committees. Her unwavering dedication, from taking on major responsibilities to tackling the smallest tasks, has been unmatched. Pat’s enthusiastic advocacy has brought new supporters to the Center, including organizations like the Universalist Unitarian Church, whose patronage continues to grow. With her boundless energy, infectious positivity, and steadfast commitment, Pat has truly set the standard for volunteerism. In recognition of her remarkable contributions, the Mass Arts Center is proud to honor Pat McDougal as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year.

Bob Saquet, owner of Eggers Furniture, has been a steadfast supporter of the Mass Arts Center for many years, exemplifying a true dedication to the arts and the community. Through his business sponsorships, Bob has played a vital role in sustaining the Center’s mission, enabling the production of exceptional shows on the Reservoir Stage and expanding access to transformative arts education through the Academy programs. In recognition of his unwavering generosity and commitment, the Mass Arts Center is proud to honor Bob Saquet as the 2025 Business Sponsor of the Year. His contributions have left a lasting impact on our patrons and the next generation of artists.

Dale Stephanos has been a transformative force in illustration for over three decades, bringing his visionary artistry to diverse platforms from major publications to prestigious galleries. His contemporary portraits and illustrations have captivated audiences, making his work accessible, thought-provoking, and deeply engaging. Dale’s unique creation of the Betty White Forever® stamp, featuring a digitally crafted portrait against a violet background, stands out as a favorite, offering a fresh and heartfelt tribute to the beloved actress. His dedication, passion, and remarkable talent have profoundly enriched the art world, earning him recognition from prestigious institutions such as the Society of Illustrators and Communication Arts. As a local artist from Foxboro, Stephanos exemplifies the caliber of talent supported by the Mass Arts Center’s Morini Gallery, which has been championing local artists since 2009. In honor of his extraordinary contributions, the Mass Arts Center is proud to present Dale Stephanos with the Distinguished Artist Award. Watch local TV coverage about Dale and the Betty White stamp.

Our Keynote Speaker: Dori Bryan-Ployer

Dori Bryan-Ployer, Artistic Director and Director of Education at the Mass Arts Center, delivered a heartfelt keynote speech at the Gala, celebrating MAC’s accomplishments over the past year while emphasizing the importance of community and artistic engagement.

She highlighted several key achievements, including a successful season at the Reservoir Stage with standout productions like Lifelines and A Christmas Carol. She praised the contributions of dedicated artists and directors, while recognizing the upcoming production of Beehive, The ’60s Musical.

She acknowledged the strength of the Mass Arts Center’s community, sharing the story of singer and actor Chrissy Lamont’s recovery from a car accident and the overwhelming support she received. Bryan-Ployer also celebrated the revitalization of the Morini Art Gallery, which now showcases emerging artists and hosts a thriving Summer Arts Festival. Additionally, she reflected on the growth of the Mass Arts Academy, which now offers multiple recitals and popular summer programs.

Bryan-Ployer shared a touching personal story about her childhood dance teacher, Chris Centorino, linking that experience to her belief in the transformative power of local arts organizations. She concluded by defining “community” as an active, evolving experience rooted in meaningful connections — something the Mass Arts Center fosters every day. Bryan-Ployer stressed that MAC not only enriches the present but also shapes future generations through artistic education and engagement, calling it a vital remedy to social isolation in today’s world.