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.  The auction featured a “Great Gatsby” theme and 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’s Lewes office, noted the success of the evening, from the attendees in costume, to the music by Mzz B & Company from Baltimore to the enthusiasm for the cause.  “The event was wonderful”, Gallagher said. “Bette and Sal Gallo certainly deserved to be honored as long-time 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’s 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.  Wright concluded her heartfelt introduction warmly: “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!”

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 them to be the best they could be. Combined, they helped many REALTORS down 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, where 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.”

About BHHS Gallo Realty
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 four main offices, located in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Bethany Beach. Visit www.GoToGallo.com for details.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, CA, is a real estate brokerage network built for a new era in residential real estate. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability, and longevity. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com for details.

About HSF Affiliates LLC
HSF Affiliates LLC, based in Irvine, CA is a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is a majority owner. HomeServices of America is an affiliate of world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc.