Every Step Counts, an annual fundraiser hosted by Bello Machre to benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities, raised over $200,000 in support of the children and adults served by the organization. (Find more about the Bello Machre organization at the end of this article). The family-friendly event, held on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland, hosted over 400 participants who walked, biked, and ran to raise awareness and funds for people with developmental disabilities in the community.
Dimensional Health Care Associates led the way with a $20,000 Presenting Sponsorship. Community Bank of the Chesapeake and Corporate Brokers were Bello Machre Champion Sponsors. Ambassador Sponsors included Cattail Construction, First National Bank, and Skyline Technology Solutions, while Community Spirit Sponsors were Americle Healthcare, Joanie Peacock of Champion Realty, Cullen & Ailsa Murray, D’Ana Johnson, The Devlin family, Northern Special Care Pharmacy, Progressive Title Corporation, and Touch of Green as Community Spirit sponsors. In total, over $200,000 was raised—a record in the event’s 27 years!
The Bello Machre Every Step Counts 5K attracted competitive runners with many awards and prizes. All participants under age 15 received a participation medal. A special thanks goes to Chipotle and Tom and Edith Neuberger for providing prizes to the 5K runners.
“A very generous community of businesses and individuals helped make Every Step Counts 2018 an extraordinary event. June 9th was a true celebration of our mission and the people with developmental disabilities who work and live in our community,” commented Tracy Lynott, Bello Machre’s Development Director.
In a unique aspect of this fundraising event, individuals and teams are given the option to raise money for a specific individual or Bello Machre home, with half of the money raised directly benefiting the person or home in the form of services. This is a huge help to families and individuals in Anne Arundel, Carroll, and Baltimore Counties.
Special thanks go to the army of volunteers who helped set up, take down, and cheer on participants, as well as the public safety officials and event specialists at the college. Bello Machre thanks everyone for making Every Step Counts 2018 the biggest and best yet!
About Bello Machre
Bello Machre, founded in 1972, means Home of My Heart in Gaelic. It is a non-profit organization in Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties, MD, that provides a lifetime of loving care, beautiful wheelchair-accessible homes, and in-home support to people with developmental disabilities. Many of the people supported live in its 60 community homes located throughout Central Maryland. Bello Machre also provides personalized care and support to hundreds of children and adults in their own homes. The Hertha and Jesse Adams Ray of Hope Program offers assistance with expenses such as specialized summer camp, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment. The Bello Machre Meaningful Day Program provides vocational and community-based adult day services, supported employment, and/or recreational, education, and social opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Trained and caring staff provides residential respite care during family hospitalizations, emergencies, and vacations, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Bello Machre is there to help with what is needed, empowering people with developmental disabilities to live life to its fullest.
