Gallo Gives donations bolster local causes
As part of its continual effort to make a difference in the community in which its associates live and serve, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty’s Gallo Gives Foundation awarded its quarterly donations to: A fundraiser for Madison Handley, organized by Lewes Elementary PTO; Rehoboth Beach Film Society; Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding; Village Volunteers; and the Sussex Family YMCA. Two scholarships for high school students are also being awarded. In all, $10,500 was donated during this round of giving.
A donation of $1,500 was awarded to the Lewes Elementary School PTO specifically to go toward the Madison Handley family fundraiser. Madison was first diagnosed with retinoblastoma, eye cancer, the day after her second birthday. She endured six months of chemotherapy and recovered, but ended up losing one eye at the age of 3. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the right femur just as she started seventh grade at Beacon Middle School this past fall. Her mother is a kindergarten teacher at Lewes Elementary, while her grandmother, Sue Hall, retired after a long career at the former Shields Elementary School. While Madison’s prognosis is encouraging, she must undergo several months of chemotherapy. Her parents have been incurring many unexpected expenses and must take leave from work to care for their daughter. Additional community support would be greatly appreciated in helping the Handley family through this difficult time. To donate, reach out to the Lewes PTO at lewespto@outlook.com.
Rehoboth Beach Film Society received $1,000. The organization was founded in August 1998 and is home to the award-winning Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. In 2016, the Rehoboth Beach Film Society opened the Cinema Art Theater near Lewes. The society’s mission is to promote the art of cinema through education and cultural enrichment programming, and to provide opportunities for film enthusiasts and diverse audiences across the community to convene and celebrate cinematic achievement. It annually sponsors a variety of film festivals and other events. To donate, go to rehobothfilm.com.
Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding received $1,000. The group’s purpose is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of children and adults living with disabilities through equine-assisted services in a supportive environment for riders and families. The goals are to bring the advantages of therapeutic riding and other equine-assisted activities to all members of the community who can benefit without compromising the high-quality, focused one-on-one therapy sessions that are the heart of the program. Its team is also committed to offering participants and families a modern, efficient and safe riding center that will enable them to expand offerings to populations such as veterans with disabilities, who will benefit from a therapeutic curriculum tailored to their needs. For more information, go to sdtrhr.com.
Village Volunteers was given $1,000. The Village Volunteers organization supports older adults with essential services. Its team members transport group members to meet their medical needs for lab work, physician appointments and pharmacy visits. In addition, they do shopping, conduct friendly phone calls and write cards/notes to members. The nonprofit volunteer organization is dedicated to helping older adults live independently at home for as long as possible. It 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, call 302-703-2568 or go to villagevolunteer.org.
A donation of $1,000 was given to the Sussex Family YMCA in Rehoboth Beach. The nonprofit YMCA is committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Its Delaware branches are committed to serving everyone — regardless of age, income or background — to nurture the potential of every child and teen, improve Delawareans’ health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information, go to ymcade.org.
The Gallo Gives Foundation is a charitable arm of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty. The foundation is managed by the Greater Lewes Foundation. Most of the funds are contributed by the agents and staff of PenFed Realty, and the company matches all contributions 100%. Established in 2016 by the original owners of the real estate firm, the Gallo Gives Foundation has donated over $250,000 to local and worldwide charitable organizations. To contribute to the foundation or request a grant, contact Andrew Ratner at 302-227-6101 or email andrew.ratner@PenFedRealty.com.
