Worcester State College will honor alumnus Paul V. LaCava, with its 2010 Community Service Award at its Commencement Ceremonies, Sunday May 16, at the DCU Center at 1:00 p.m.
A 1975 graduate of WSC, LaCava has a long commitment to community service dating back to his days as a student. He launched an annual holiday toy drive, while attending WSC that has continued to grow. Along with friends and colleagues, he formed the community partnership Bold Steps and then built a group of volunteers who formed Planting the Seed Foundation. These organizations each have aggressive goals to improve the lives of children and families living in shelters. Planting The Seed Foundation continues to sponsor the annual toy drive that LaCava founded twenty-five years ago in addition to a host of initiatives and activities for families and young people throughout the year. This past year more than 4,000 toys were distributed to local children, school supplies were provided to children and families through the “Stuff the Bus” initiative and scholarships were provided to send children to summer camp.
In addition, LaCava was instrumental in bringing a Liberian delegation to Worcester as part of the UMASS Boston Center for Democracy and Development Workforce program. He involved many local organizations in the effort including YMCA of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Technical High School, New England Regional Council of Carpenters Training Center and local enterprises. LaCava also accompanied a delegation to Liberia to seek for ways to assist this nation ravaged by war and poverty.
La Cava devotes his time and talent to a wide variety of community groups and organizations, including, but not limited to: the Worcester Boys Club, Minority Business Inclusion Council, and Central Massachusetts Homeless Shelter for Veterans Advisory Council, YMCA of Greater Worcester County and the National March of Dimes Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action task Force.
He is one of the original founders of the Sports Alive Program that for more than 20 years has raised over $350,000 for the Worcester Public Schools and many neighborhood and community-based youth programs throughout the City of Worcester.
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