Gallo Gives Foundation awards second-quarter community donations
As part of its continual effort to make a difference in the community in which its people live and serve, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty's Gallo Gives Foundation awarded its 2017 second-quarter earnings donations to Prevent Child Abuse Delaware, Meals on Wheels, Gardenia House and the Greater Lewes Community Village, while a portion of earnings has been set aside to fund scholarships that will be made available in spring 2018 for two college-bound seniors. The second-quarter donations and scholarship funds total $10,750.
Prevent Child Abuse Delaware was awarded $2,500. Since 1978, PCAD has been providing resources and training to make sure every child has a safe and nurturing childhood, one free of abuse and neglect. Programs provided by the organization include personal-safety education programs for schoolchildren; child sexual-abuse prevention through the Stewards of Children Program; education efforts focusing on partnering with parents and strengthening families; training workshops for home visitors, foster parents and childcare providers; and advocacy and public-awareness activities to promote community involvement and support. The Gallo Gives Foundation funds will be directly applied to Sussex County programs. For more information, go to www.pcadelaware.org.
Meals on Wheels was awarded $2,500, specifically for the Celebrity Chefs' Beach Brunch, which benefits the downstate meal-delivery program. Meals on Wheels Delaware is a nonprofit organization that provides and delivers meals every day to nearly 4,000 homebound seniors. Working with five meal-providing agencies and thousands of volunteers from corporations, and civic, religious and community groups, senior citizens are given the opportunity to retain their independence, maintain good health and receive assistance when needed. For more information, go to www.mealsonwheelsde.org.
Gardenia House in Georgetown was awarded $2,500. Purchased through the Lee Ann Wilkinson Group by Neil and Catherine Shister and managed by Sister Rosa Alvarez, a Carmelite nun, Gardenia House is a safe home for single mothers and their children who might otherwise be homeless. Most of the women are employed in the local poultry industry, which supplies most of the chicken consumed on the East Coast. For more information, go to www.gardeniahouse.org.
The Greater Lewes Community Village was awarded $2,000. The village is a volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping older adults live independently at home for as long as possible. The village provides volunteer support, services and programs that enhance the lives of members by helping them remain engaged in a variety of social, educational and cultural activities. For more information, go to www.greaterlewescommunityvillage.org.
The remaining second-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 spring 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 Ave. Extended, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
