Global Delaware donates $5,000 to Harry K Foundation

The Global Delaware Fund, a nonprofit organization based in Rehoboth Beach, recently donated $5,000 to the Harry K Foundation, also based in Rehoboth Beach. Founded by Harry Keswani, the Harry K Foundation is dedicated to helping southern Delaware children who are facing food insecurity, a U.S. Department of Agriculture term that addresses not only hunger and interrupted eating patterns, but also reduction in food quality and variety in certain areas.

“I have known Harry Keswani and his family for many years,” said Scott Kammerer, who cofounded The Global Delaware Fund with chef and philanthropist Matt Haley, who passed away in August. “They are wonderful, engaged members of our community, and the Harry K Foundation is an inspiration to me.”

Kammerer, also president and CEO of the Matt Haley Companies and SoDel Concepts, which owns eight coastal restaurants, noted that there are many children in need in the local community. “This foundation helps these children directly,” he said. “We are honored to donate to this remarkable organization.”

Lindsey Jacona, controller for the Matt Haley Companies, who with Kammerer presented the check to Keswani at Fish On in Lewes, said giving back is part of the way the company does business. “Charitable work was so important to Matt, and giving back is an integral part of what we do,” she said. “We’re a community business, and we want to support our community.”

Haley believed that the best way to strengthen a community is to give children the opportunity to succeed in school, Kammerer said. But it’s hard for them to concentrate when they’re hungry or malnourished. All of Sussex County’s school districts have large populations of low-income and poor children, and to date, the Harry K. Foundation has established food pantries in eight local schools.

To help children succeed, SoDel Concepts also this year started the SoDel Teachers Fund, which distributes $500 grants to employees who are also teachers. Recipients can use the funds to buy classroom supplies. The company also donates directly to school PTOs.

For information on The Global Delaware Fund, visit theglobaldelawarefund.com. For information on the Harry K Foundation go to harrykfoundation.org.