Shortly after moving to Jacksonville from Tennessee, McCalla became immediately involved in the arts community serving on the boards of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Dreams Come True, Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and the Cummer Museum. In 2000, he attended the DA Extravaganza and fell in love with the school’ arts programs and students and has been one of DA’s most ardent fans ever since. McCalla has served as the Extravaganza Event Chair for 24 years, sponsored several student summer arts scholarships, and provided over 28 grants that have enabled the DA Jazz Ensembles, dance, Symphonic band and theatre students to perform and attend prestigious national and international venues and institutes. As an artist himself, McCalla shared that he knows the importance the arts play in ensuring quality of life for all and has been a DA Foundation Board member for eight years.