To the Editor:

Since its inception, MA Children’s Relief and the Salerno family collaboration has raised $46,000 for Turning Point, along with goods to support Turning Point families. More than $11,000 has been shared with “Katrina Kids” in Slidell, Louisiana, the Boys and Girls Club, Onset Youth Center, Guyan Rescue (Hurricane Sandy and Oklahoma tornado relief), Wareham High School’s Best Buddies, and local kids in cancer treatment. Tastes & Sounds – Tapas 10 raised $5,000 for Turning Point and $1,000 for Best Buddies.

Once again, area businesses and friends came together to create an evening of tastes, sights, and sounds. Tapas 10 and the preceding Gulf Coast, Caribbean, Italy, Greece, China, France, Portugal, Mexico and our Atlantic Coast events would never have happened without the ongoing inspiration and support of the Salerno family and staff. A huge thanks is shared with those who put their trust in this adventure 10 years ago and have been part of every year: Lulu Foundation, Nessralla’s Farm and Greenhouses, Community Mini Storage, Harwich Quilt Bank, Music of the Bay, A. D. Makepeace, Shaw’s Supermarket, Louise Paolette, Wal-Mart, Stop and Shop, The Jug Shop, Hazlett Family and Barbara Kelley.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives presented two recognition awards at the event: Salerno’s Manager Nicole Miceli for “10 years of taste, care and commitment supporting, as well as serving the community” and the Salerno Family for their “long standing community commitment and the 10th anniversary of Salerno’s Seaside Facility.” In addition to the awards, Tapas 10 celebrated the best of our first nine years, a perfect close to the “Tastes and Sounds” chapter of creative fundraising. Our next adventure launches this year. We are delighted and grateful Renee Walsh, a chef who volunteered her time and talents the past 3 years, is part of our next chapter. Stay tuned!

Sally A. Morrison
MA Children’s Relief Coordinator