Gallo Gives Foundation awards fourth-quarter donations
As part of its continual effort to make a difference in the community in which it lives and serves, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty's Gallo Gives Foundation awarded its 2017 fourth-quarter earnings of $9,250 to the Sussex Family YMCA, Autism Delaware, Grass Roots Rescue and Just Us Cat and Kitten Rescue. A portion of earnings has been set aside for two college-bound senior scholarships that will be made available in spring 2018.
The Y Waves Program at Sussex Family YMCA received $2,500. This after-school activity is a teen program with a goal of cultivating future leaders. It primarily focuses on providing a positive and enriching environment for youth to have fun, while creating opportunities to discover leadership skills and the Y Core Values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. The group participates in team-building and fitness activities, while enrichment aspects include group projects, homework help and volunteerism. The program is offered to teens ages 11-14. To volunteer to help the community's youth, go to www.ymcade.org/sussex/.
The Sussex chapter of Autism Delaware received $2,500. Autism Delaware's mission is to help people and families affected by autism, with a vision that allows people with autism to have opportunities to learn, grow and live full lives as included and valued members of their communities. Specifically, the organization continues to expand creative and innovative services, resources, and support to individuals and families, while using evidence-based methods to become a model for others. It partners and collaborates with other community entities, leading a group effort that will provide a wide array of person-centered, individualized services across the lifespan to meet the growing need. Lastly, it continues to be the leading resource for expertise, advocacy, and raising awareness of autism in Delaware. To learn more, volunteer or donate, go to www.delautism.org.
Grass Roots Rescue received $1,000. GRR is an all-volunteer, nonprofit group that saves dogs, cats and other animals that are at risk in shelters and within the community. The organization was founded in August 2013 with the two primary objectives: to rescue dogs and cats at risk in animal shelters and get them adopted, and to spay/neuter and provide life-saving veterinary care for dogs and cats at animal shelters and other rescues, pets of persons with limited income, and stray and feral cats living outdoors. Recently, GRR was gifted land to build a permanent building, so any and all assistance will be needed to build and operate the new facility. To learn more, go to www.grrde.org.
Just Us Cat and Kitten Rescue received $1,000. Just Us is a charitable organization whose mission is to meet an immediate and long-range goal in cat rescue in the local community. Its volunteers attempt to rescue and place adoptable cats and kittens, as well as trap, neuter and return feral cats and kittens. Just Us also offers educational programs to local communities to assist, whenever possible, in solving cat issues. As a nonprofit and all-volunteer organization, it relies completely on donations of all kinds (monetary, food, medicines, toys and bedding). For more information on volunteering with the care and socialization of cats and kittens, or to make a donation, find the Just Us Cat & Kitten Rescue page on Facebook or call 302-228-1931.
The Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation received $1,000. CHEF seeks to inspire learning and to prepare all students for healthy, productive lives in a diverse and global society. To accomplish this, the organization seeks to engage the entire community – educators, parents, and business, civic and legislative leaders – in providing students with the tools they need to excel. From its inception in 2007, CHEF has funded approximately 200 teacher grant requests totaling more than $250,000 in educational aid to district schools, supporting anti-bullying and homelessness programs, arts scholarships, career-focused initiatives and other activities. For more information, go to www.chef-cape.org.
The remaining fourth-quarter funds of $1,250 have been set aside to award two local graduating seniors with $2,500 scholarships to assist with their college tuition in fall 2018.
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 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. To request assistance for a charity or organization, send information to Andrew Ratner, BHHS Gallo Realty, 37230 Rehoboth Avenue Ext., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
