Sal and Bette Gallo garner humanitarian award from Sussex Strong
Sal and Bette Gallo, owners of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty, were presented with the SCAOR Humanitarian Award Oct. 24 by Sussex Strong, the Sussex County Association of Realtors Community Service Foundation, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center during the organization’s annual fundraiser.
Featuring a Great Gatsby theme, the auction was attended by 320 people. All told, the event raised more than $70,000 to benefit Sussex County children in need.
Event staffer Adriane Gallagher, rental manager of the Gallo Realty Lewes office, noted the success of the evening, from the attendees in costume to the music by Mzz B & Company from Baltimore, and the enthusiasm for the cause. "The event was wonderful,” Gallagher said. "Bette and Sal Gallo certainly deserved to be honored as longtime supporters of the SCAOR Community Service Foundation and our mission of helping our neighbors in need. Their ongoing commitment to the community exemplifies what it means to give back!"
Sandy Wright, broker and sales manager of the Gallo Realty Lewes office, introduced the couple and presented them with the award. Her remarks highlighted how their philanthropic nature began early as the children of first- and second-generation immigrants. They were giving and charitable, even though they didn't have much themselves. "Sal and Bette have huge hearts, and I am proud to be able to present them with this humanitarian award – they are the perfect recipients,” she said.
Through Gallo Realty and Bette's involvement with Rehoboth Beach Main Street, her leadership enabled many local businesses to thrive. Sal's keen ability to motivate his agents and staff helped them to be the best they could be. Combined, they helped many Realtors along the path to success.
The Gallos have always encouraged their agents to volunteer, whether it be for Habitat for Humanity, the Immanuel Shelter, or the many other ways to reach local people in need. They created the Gallo Gives Foundation, whereby agents voluntarily donate a portion of each settlement to the fund, and the company matches each donation 100 percent. Agents and staff take turns serving on the committee and evaluate fund request applications. Since 2016, more than $100,000 has been donated to local organizations and charities.
"We were so humbled and appreciative of this award," said the Gallos. "But we are just two of many in the Realtor community who give back every day. We are very proud to belong to this great organization, and we are blessed to live in this beautiful area of the United States of America."
