Mariner Middle business club receives Gallo Gives donation
Student members of Mariner Middle School Business Professionals of America received a check for $1,250 from Berkshire Hathaway Gallo Realty’s Gallo Gives Foundation Nov. 25.
Representatives from the Lewes and Rehoboth sales and rental offices visited with the officers of the Mariner BPA to learn more about what they do in the organization and the awards they’ve acquired over the last two years.
“BPA is a required part of the business curriculum,” said Dr. Daniel Shockley, business teacher and BPA advisor. “We currently share 509 and Perkins monies with Mr. Dean’s technology class, and it can only be used for certain components. Outside donations like this one truly help keep the BPA program alive and thriving.”
Mariner BPA students have attended both the state and national competitions to compete in business, marketing and finance events.
“Donations such as this one will allow me to continue to offer students a BPA membership at no cost. They help with both state and national organization student dues, conference registrations, transportation to and from conferences, and other costs associated with competitions. The donations allow the students to focus on their strengths and area of competition, and not have to worry about how they’re going to pay for these opportunities,” said Shockley.
Last year was the second year the BPA program was in existence at Mariner Middle School, and it’s currently the only middle school in the Cape Henlopen School District with the program.
In attendance to present the check to the students were Tricia Ratner, Andrew Ratner, Margaret Lorii and Turner Hastings. They explained to the students that with every closing, their agents donate a portion of their commission to the Gallo Gives Foundation. Berkshire Hathway Home Services Gallo Realty then matches those funds 100 percent and distributes it to worthy organizations at the end of each quarter. To date, the foundation has contributed over $100,000 to local organizations.
