Gallo Gives Foundation awards fourth-quarter community donations
As part of its ongoing effort to support the community, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty has formed the Gallo Gives Foundation. Foundation earnings from the fourth quarter of 2016 were awarded to the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding, Lewes Senior Center and Special Olympics Delaware, while a portion of earnings has been set aside for a college-bound senior scholarship that will be made available in spring 2017.
An award of $2,000 was given to MERR, which is a nonprofit stranding response and rehabilitation organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles. It is MERR's commitment to contribute to the preservation of these species through research and rescue efforts, and to foster greater understanding and appreciation of these species and their habitat through education and enhanced public awareness. MERR relies on grants, fundraisers, donations and membership dues, and has only one salaried employee.
An award of $2,000 was given to Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding, whose mission is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of children and adults in Sussex and Kent counties living with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy and experienced certified instructors, and in doing so, increase the cognitive and social skills, self-esteem and confidence of participants. The group's goal is to increase the number of participants served without compromising the high-quality, focused one-on-one therapy sessions that are the heart of the program. In addition, the group's own modern and efficient riding center will enable the expansion of the therapeutic offerings to populations such as veterans with disabilities.
An award of $2,000 was given to the Lewes Senior Center, with hopes of helping it achieve its mission as the center celebrates the 50th year of service in 2017. Since 1967, the Lewes Senior Center has become a community gathering place where active adults ages 50 and older come together to laugh, learn, exercise and have fun. The center provides social, recreational, educational, cultural and health-related programs, services and activities that promote healthy and active lifestyles.
An award of $1,000 was given to Special Olympics Delaware, whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for more than 4,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
The remaining funds have been set aside to award two local graduating seniors with $2,500 scholarships to assist with their college tuition in spring 2017.
The Gallo Gives Foundation is funded through the company's agents, management and owners. Agents are encouraged to donate a percentage of their commissions earned, and the firm matches 100 percent of all agent and staff contributions. Gallo Realty also will produce events to benefit the foundation. Public donations will be accepted as well. Each Gallo Realty office in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach is represented by individuals who serve on the foundation's giving committee. The committee researches community charities in need and recommends funding. The foundation is managed by the Greater Lewes Foundation. To request assistance for a charity or organization, send information to Andrew Ratner, BHHS Gallo Realty, 37230 Rehoboth Ave. Extended, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
