Gallo Gives Foundation awards third-quarter community donations

As part of its continual effort to make a difference in the community in which its members live and serve, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty's Gallo Gives Foundation awarded its 2017 third-quarter earning donations of $11,000 to: the hurricane relief effort in Puerto Rico through Habitat for Humanity International; Sussex Strong; Family and Friends of Wesley; and Special Olympics Delaware. A portion of earnings has also been set aside for two college-bound senior scholarships that will be made available in spring 2018.

Although the Gallo Gives Foundation was created to assist local organizations, foundation members felt strongly about supporting the devastated island of Puerto Rico. The $5,000 donation will help Habitat in fulfilling the initial phase of the long-term recovery plan. Phase one includes supplying 2,000-plus residents with immediately needed shelter repair kits.

"So many of our friends, family members, and co-workers have relatives in need in Puerto Rico, and we just felt we had to do something," said foundation member and Realtor Patsy Carpenter. "Every little bit helps," added foundation member and Lee Ann Wilkinson Group team member Billie Wilkinson.

Kevin Gilmore, Sussex Habitat for Humanity director and Habitat International member, noted that plans were in the making to coordinate a Sussex Habitat volunteer mission trip to Puerto Rico in spring 2018. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness, and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. To learn more or to donate to the hurricane relief effort, go to www.sussexcountyhabitat.org or www.habitat.org.

The Family and Friends of Wesley received $1,250 to assist with interior renovation of the Old Blackwater Colored School in Frankford. Declared by the State of Delaware as a historic site, the school was built in 1880 and was the only means of education for African-Americans throughout the region which comprises Clarksville, Millville, Ocean View, Bayard and Roxana. The goal of the Family and Friends of Wesley is to finish restoration and operate the historic site as a museum. To get more information and to donate, contact Dr. Martin Drew at Sdrew944@aol.com.

Sussex Strong, the charitable arm of the Sussex County Association of Realtors, received $2,500. The community service foundation's purpose is to receive, maintain, and disburse funds for the charitable purposes, objectives, and activities of SCAOR. The foundation endeavors to help grow and strengthen the local community. This donation is a sponsorship of the Back to The Eighties October Gala; the proceeds of this event will go directly to purchasing winter coats, clothing, shoes, and Christmas gifts for over 300 Sussex County children this year. For more information, visit www.sussexstrong.org.

Special Olympics Delaware received $1,000. This organization’s 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. This gives participants continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. For more information, go to www.sode.org.

The remaining third-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 Ave. Ext., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty is an award-winning, full-service real estate firm that has been serving the resort region since 1979. The firm has three main offices, located in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Bethany Beach, with two satellite locations in the Lewes area. The company is independently owned and operated. Visit www.GoToGallo.com, or go to www.berkshirehathawayhs.com for details.