Gallo Gives Foundation awards community donations
In addition to providing their customers and clients with superior service, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty team members are committed to supporting the community in which they live and work.
The management, agents and staff of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty formed the Gallo Gives Foundation to do just that. The 2018 second-quarter foundation earnings of $9,250 were awarded to the Joseph Patrick Fabber Foundation, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, The Jason Anderson Foundation, Milton Little League, Cape Henlopen Senior Center, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Race for the Ribbon 5K, ESL Program and Rehoboth Art League, while a portion of earnings ($1,250) has been set aside for a college-bound senior scholarship that will be available in spring 2019.
The Gallo Gives Foundation is funded primarily through the company’s agents, management, and staff. Agents are encouraged to donate a percentage of their commissions earned, and the firm matches all agent/staff contributions 100 percent. 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.
Here is some information about several of this quarter’s recipients.
Milton Little League received $1,000 to assist in its quest to install lights on the Minor League Field. Lighting will allow increased playing time for the youth in the community. To receive a much needed $30,000 general baseball grant through Little League Baseball, the league must raise additional funds by Wednesday, Oct. 31. Time is of the essence. To donate, go to www.miltonlittleleaguede.com.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind received $750. Lewes resident Tommy Gibson has benefitted greatly from this organization, enjoying the freedom imparted by his first guide dog, Dakota, and current dog, Argo. Gibson is now an advocate and is asking for monetary assistance to train exceptional dogs and to pair blind people with a partner who will allow them to experience all of life’s adventures independently. For more information or to donate, go to www.guidingeyes.org.
The English as a Second Language Program at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth Beach received $500. The program serves individuals who have moved to Sussex County, have a first language other than English, and possess a desire to succeed in their new home. Currently, students represent 18 countries. There are four levels of instruction ranging from nonliterate to advanced English skills. The program benefits the individuals, their workplaces and society by increasing meaningful communication and instilling a sense of community. To volunteer as teacher or to donate to the program, contact Cheryl Crowe at cheryl@rbre.com.
The Delaware Symphony Orchestra received $2,500 toward a $5,000 pledge to help to underwrite the orchestra’s two Classics Series concerts in Sussex County during the upcoming 2018-19 season. Sunday matinee performances, beginning at 3 p.m., will take place Sept. 30 and March 24, at the Cape Henlopen High School Theatre in Lewes. The Gallo Gives Foundation support will satisfy one-quarter of a challenge grant previously awarded the DSO by the Jessie Ball du Pont Fund to help the orchestra launch multiple annual presentations in Sussex County. An additional $15,000 must still be raised from local sources to fully meet the challenge. To donate to help bring world-class symphony to Lewes, go to www.delawaresymphony.org or contact Alan Jordan at alanj@delawaresymphony.org.
For more information about other organizations assisted by the Gallo Gives Foundation this quarter, go to the blog at www.GoToGallo.com. To request assistance for a charity or organization, send information to Andrew Ratner, vice president, BHHS Gallo Realty, 37230 Rehoboth Avenue Ext., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
