Going the extra mile to support youth programs

SALISBURY — Supporters and alumni of Salisbury’s EXTRAS program gathered at the White Hart Inn to raise funds and awareness at the organization’s inaugural gala on Friday, April 25.

Founded in 1988, Extended Time for Recreational Activities in Salisbury, known as EXTRAS, is a state-licensed nonprofit childcare program that strives to “provide an affordable, safe, and educational environment for school-age children” through after-school programs and summer camps.

Since its inception, EXTRAS has relied heavily on small-scale fundraising to deliver local working families reasonably-priced, accessible, and edifying childcare. But this year — following the struggles the organization faced during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic — board member Rachel Lockton reasoned that it was time to scale up efforts. Thus, the grand idea of throwing a gala was born.

“The role that EXTRAS plays in the life of the community can’t be overestimated,” said Lockton, whose children are currently enrolled in the program. Lockton felt that if the longevity of the local community is to be secured, incentives for young people and families need to be advanced not inch-by-inch, but “mile-by-mile.”

To that end, the evening’s abundant programming included a cozy cocktail hour; heartfelt speeches and video presentations; an award ceremony honoring a longtime supporter; silent and live auctions featuring myriad local products and activities; and ballroom salsa dancing.

“In our community, people feel they can ask one another for help,” said board member Chris Tripler, seated in the packed dining area as guests overflowed into the Inn’s common rooms and onto the covered porch. “This evening was us asking that question,” he continued, gesturing over the crowd, “and the response has been enormous.”

In attendance were numerous EXTRAS alumni and parents, whose testimonies made clear the reason for this passionate outpouring of support. “EXTRAS has always been there for us,” said Lynn Webster, a parent of two daughters who Webster says “carry the fondest memories” of their time in the program.

Lou Bucceri delivers a speech after accepting his award.Sava Marinkovic

Among the memories made and kept by EXTRAS children are those of their program supervisors. One such figure, recognized at the gala for his years of dedication and service, is Lou Bucceri.

“Lou embodies what we work for,” said EXTRAS Director Alex Baker, “as a mentor, a teacher, a coach, and a great man. A person who knows how to communicate with children at their level.” Bucceri, however, modest in his acceptance of the award, insisted that he was only ever “one of a group, in many ways like the board we have now.”

Following the ceremony and live auction — the cover lot for which was a 100-person White Hart-catered pizza party sold to Lakeville’s Project SAGE — the ballroom floor was opened. Curiously, the first sounds on the floor weren’t music, but a brief recording of the words of Puerto Rican filmmaker Jacobo Morales, saying “mientras uno está vivo, uno debe amar lo más que pueda.” (Translation: “While one is alive, one must love as much as one can.”)