Funds raised to support critical services for those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism

Guests of Benedictine’s Bourbon Street Masquerade Gala arrived at the Trident Aircraft Hangar to find the evening’s festivities in full swing with the sounds of the Annapolis based Naptown Brass Band. Twelve foot lamp posts reminiscent of a New Orleans street guided guests throughout the hangar. The event was a sellout, and raised close to $200,000 in support of those living with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism that Benedictine supports.

The event’s co-chairs were Candi Chiaruttini and Paul Milne, active members of the Easton community and founders of the famed restaurant 208 Talbot in St. Michael’s and creators of the Oaks Waterfront Inn. “We were honored to be asked to chair this wonderful event. My dear childhood friend, Greg, is supported by Benedictine and we see how his quality of life is so positively influenced by the services Benedictine provides. We want to support the work that they do for those living with intellectual and developmentally disabilities and bring a broader awareness to the community about their programs and how others can help,” commented Candi Chiaruttini.

The event included the viewing of the “Opening a World of Opportunities” video that showed how critical Benedictine’s fleet of vans are in providing transportation for the students and adults they support. The stories included a student who volunteers at a local humane society and a supported adult whose activities include an afternoon of bowling as part of his Meaningful Day program. The vehicles are used for trips to the grocery store and other important tasks, and as one student shared, “if we don’t have a van to get to school, what are we going to do!”

During the evening the Cornerstone Award, given to an individual that demonstrates steadfast commitment and remarkable generosity to Benedictine, was presented to Thad Fletcher, and his wife Donna Rochelle, who are the parents of one of Benedictine’s supported adults. Thad Fletcher is a partner at Cooke & Bieler, an investment firm, and Donna is a volunteer with the Kennedy Center. They graciously started the Woodmore Charity Golf Tournament in 2017 and each year they bring together friends and businesses for a day of comradery and philanthropy at the Country Club at Woodmore in Prince George’s County. Since its inception, the tournament has raised more than $320,000 and has introduced numerous new people to what Benedictine does. “My wife Donna and I are deeply touched to be presented with the Cornerstone Award. We know the amazing work that takes place every day at Benedictine and we are honored to support them,” commented Thad Fletcher. The award was presented to them by Charley Mills, Board of Trustees President. “It was my honor to recognize Thad Fletcher and Donna Rochelle. They truly exemplify Benedictine’s values of dignity, integrity, collaboration, and excellence.”

The event’s New Orleans-inspired fare was provided by Gourmet by the Bay. Audio and lighting were managed by Mid-South Media, and the evening concluded with guests enjoying dance tunes “spun” by Steve Moody Entertainment.

Sponsors of the event included RBC Wealth Management Easton, Preston Automotive, Momma Maria’s, Coffee Trappe, Old Trappe Tavern, Pep Up, Willow Construction, Mullins Sondberg Wimbish and Stone, Easton Utilities, BUCS Engineering, Benson & Mangold Real Estate, Acrisure, Brett and Molly Sause BMS Family Fund, Whelan Family Holdings and Clayton Farms.

Kelly Simonsen of Easton Utilities commented, “We support Benedictine because of the important work they do in our community and their mission to help those living with developmental disabilities achieve their greatest potential. The best part about attending the event was talking with family members and feeling their gratitude. We sat at a table with guests who came as far as Chicago, so you can imagine their passion for what Benedictine does.”

Auction items were generously donated by Bluepoint Hospitality, TNT Jewelers, Chester River Packet Company, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Inn at Perry Cabin, Salisbury Pewter, Wade’s Point Inn On the Bay, Annette Smith Wales, Honeybee Flower Farm, Garden Treasures, Trade Whims, Sandra Lister, Prospect Bay Country Club, Chesapeake Laser and Skin Care, Easton Hardware, The Wildset, Windswept Clothiers, Benedictine Garden Center, and Dragonfly Boutique.

For more information on Benedictine’s events, services and ways to support, please contact Claudia Cunningham at [email protected] or call 410 634 2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

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About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider and its mission is to support children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine currently supports close to 200 children and adults.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties.

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 375 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine celebrated the winner and all the nominees of the distinguished Sister Jeannette Award during its annual Staff Appreciation Celebration. The award was established in 2012 by the Benedictine Board of Directors in honor of Sister Jeannette, who served as Benedictine’s leader for over 30 years. The annual award recognizes an employee who exemplifies Benedictine’s values of dignity, integrity, collaboration, and excellence.

This year’s Sister Jeannette Award was given to Nancy Morris, School Case Management Supervisor, who has been with Benedictine for 29 years. Nancy is known for her welcoming personality, words of encouragement, and the incredible support that she provides her team. She is instrumental in program decisions, policy development, and dealing with challenging situations all while being positive. The board, staff, and families all appreciate her dedication to Benedictine.

“The Sister Jeannette award is a highlight of our staff celebration event. We celebrate those that go above and beyond in making a difference in the lives of the students and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. The nominees exhibit the best of Benedictine and it is an honor to be nominated by their peers for this prestigious award,” commented Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director.

The nominees included Katie Fitzhugh, School Teacher; Latonya White, Adult Services Day Direct Support Professional; Stephanie Franklin, Assistant Principal; Danielle Poore, School Transition Coordinator & Team Leader; Dale Murray, Education Assistant; Karen Pritchett, Adult Services House Counselor; and Nancy Morris, School Case Management Supervisor.

Part of the evening’s festivities included launching Benedictine’s updated Mission, Vision and Values. The update was a collaboration between the Board of Directors, senior leadership team and staff. Mission: Supporting children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. Vision: To be the premiere educator and service provider promoting growth, independence, and empowerment in children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities while fostering access to their community. Values: Dignity – Demonstrating compassion and respecting the inherent value and worth in each person. Integrity – To be honest and fair while making ethical, transparent, and well-intended decisions. Collaboration – Working toward a common goal and building relationships utilizing communication, trust, and accountability. Excellence: A commitment to offering high quality services through creativity, determination, and continuous improvement.

For more information about Benedictine, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at [email protected] / 410 634 2292.

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About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider and its mission is to support children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine currently supports close to 200 children and adults.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. 

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 375 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

 

Bikers and Classic Car enthusiasts are invited to join the event in support of Benedictine 

Marking its 22^nd year, the Benedictine Foundation Chrome City Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, July 27th on the Benedictine campus in Ridgely, Maryland. Known as one of the largest rides in Maryland, this annual event draws hundreds of car and motorcycle enthusiasts to Benedictine’s Ridgely campus in support of its mission.

Custom cars, classic cars, hot rods, and motorcycles are all invited to participate in a day of fun and entertainment with door prizes, a car and motorcycle competition, live music, and more. Don’t have a classic car or motorcycle – you can still join the festivities.

New this year, Chrome City will have numerous food trucks to purchase breakfast and lunch from including Uncle Bernie’s Steak Shack, Smokin’ on the Shore BBQ, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Isaiah’s Breakfast, Isaiah’s Ice Cream, SnoAngels Shaved Ice and Walker Family Seafood.

Participants are encouraged to register online prior to the event for a discounted fee of $35. On the day of the event registration will open at 9:00 until noon for $40. The first 200 cars that register will receive a car plaque. Everyone who registers will receive an official Chrome City t-shirt.

Thanks to Paul Reed Smith Guitars, the event is raffling off a PRS Guitar signed by Mark Tremonti of Creed. $40 each; 3 for $100.

To register your vehicle online and to purchase raffle tickets for the PRS Guitar, please go to https://benschool.org/chrome-city-fundraiser/. The raffle begins on July 1, 2024.

If you are interested in sponsoring Chrome City, please contact Benedictine by July 12^th to ensure that your name/logo is on the official Chrome City t-shirt. Sponsorships can be found HERE or contact Caroline Bauerle at [email protected] or call 410. 634.2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

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About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider and its mission is to support children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine currently supports close to 200 children and adults.

 The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties.

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

 Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 375 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine staff, board members, legislative and government representatives gathered to celebrate a new loop road on the Ridgely campus with a ribbon-cutting, followed by a groundbreaking for the construction of three new student residential wings.

Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans welcomed guests and talked about what the new campus road means for Benedictine. “Where we are standing right now – on this new campus road – is the first phase of an extensive project to transform our campus for the students and adults we support.  The school residential project will address the needs of our changing student demographic. Our existing residential spaces were built over 50 years ago and now we have a student population that is living with sensory and behavioral challenges related to moderate to severe autism. The road will provide us with the ability to build three new student residential wings without affecting daily activity on campus and provide a walking trail for physical activity.” Scott further commented, “We would like to thank Caroline County and the Commissioners for helping us secure funding for the road through a Community Development Block Grant. This was done in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.”

Guests were then guided to the site where the new student residential wings will be constructed. “The new residential wings will include suites equipped with multiple recreational and sensory areas, along with an updated dining area and state-of-the-art infirmary. Benedictine is the only service provider on the Eastern Shore that provides both residential and educational opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism – and is only one of four in the state of Maryland,” commented Evans.

Benedictine Board of Directors President, Maggi Madden, shared her gratitude and thoughts on this next phase for Benedictine. “This marks an important milestone for Benedictine. The new residential facility will offer students a home-like living space here on campus where they attend school. We are grateful to all who have helped bring this project to fruition and enabled Benedictine to stay the course in its mission to support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism so they can achieve their greatest potential.”

Gratitude was extended to the partners on the project that include Prospera-U.S., Cox, Graae & Spack Architects, Bramble, and Willow Construction LLC. Thanks was also given to the agencies that helped secure funding to start the construction project including the administrations of Governor Larry Hogan and Governor Wes Moore, Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Caroline County Government and the Maryland Legislature specifically the Eastern Shore Delegation.

An additional $2.5mm is needed to complete the project. For more information on Benedictine and how you can get involved in supporting the Transforming Lives campaign, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at [email protected].

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About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support to achieve their greatest potential and the highest level of independence.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties.

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

 Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 370 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Funding will support a new school residence for students living with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism that Benedictine’s School supports

Benedictine is pleased and honored to announce that it has been awarded $1.8 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending through the Omnibus Spending Bill under the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding, requested and secured by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), will support the construction of a new school residential facility. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen’s support and advocacy was instrumental in Benedictine’s request.

“Benedictine provides essential tools that improve the quality of life for Marylanders with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This federal funding will help expand those resources and opportunities for these individuals,” said Senator Cardin. “Team Maryland is proud to support this community-led project that will help more Marylanders with developmental and intellectual disabilities live independent and inclusive lives.”

“All people, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to learn and work toward their goals. This direct federal investment will enable Benedictine to expand their residential school, providing invaluable educational resources and a welcoming community where students with disabilities of all ages can succeed,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

With this award, Benedictine has secured $7.3 million in commitments toward the project, with funding also coming from State Maryland Capital Budgets under Governors Hogan and Moore, and the Maryland General Assembly with strong support from the Eastern Shore delegation, as well as private funding from the Benedictine Foundation and donors. This critically important new School Residential Facility is part of the Benedictine “Transforming Lives” Campaign.

“Receiving this Congressionally Directed Spending funding for Benedictine’s new student residential facility is crucial in our efforts to provide a homelike setting for a student population with significant sensory sensitivities that the current building, nearing the end of its useful life, does not accommodate. Securing the funds needed for this project will have a huge impact on the population we support,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “The student demographic has significantly changed since the existing residential space was built in the 1960s – now, over 80% of students we support are living with more complicated forms of autism. The new residential wings will include suites equipped with multiple recreational and sensory areas for the students, along with an updated dining area and a state-of-the-art infirmary.”

Benedictine, located on the Eastern Shore, serves as a statewide resource for students and adults living with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism and is one of the few providers that is both a residential school and adult residential and day service provider. It is an extension of the public school system accommodating students the public schools cannot. Additionally, it is one of the largest employers in the Mid-Shore region.

 

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties.

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community.

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Mid-Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 370 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

 

Benedictine will hold its annual Spring Gala fundraiser, themed “Benedictine Bourbon Street Masquerade” on Saturday, April 27th at the Trident Aircraft Hangar in Easton. This important fundraiser benefits the students and adults living with developmental or intellectual disabilities and autism that Benedictine supports. Families, staff, community members, and businesses are all invited to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year.

“Every spring, our community gathers to celebrate the students and adults living with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism that we support, their families and our dedicated staff,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “Without the support of the community, we cannot achieve our mission of helping those children and adults reach their greatest potential. We are so fortunate to have Candi Chiaruttini and Paul Milne chair this wonderful event!  As the former owners of The Oaks, combined with Paul’s experience as an acclaimed chef, their expertise is so appreciated.”

“Benedictine Bourbon Street Masquerade” begins with the “Brass Band Cocktail Hour” followed by “The Garden District” dinner, awards and live auction. The evening’s festivities will continue with “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler” desserts and dancing in the dramatic setting of the Trident Aircraft Hangar.

“Each year, our Spring Gala raises critical funds that support Benedictine’s vital work of providing the best care and services for the students and adults clients we support, helping them learn, grow and achieve their greatest potential,” commented Claudia Cunningham, Benedictine Chief Advancement Officer. “We are thrilled to be working with Sidney Davenport-Trond and the team at Gourmet by the Bay at The Village Shoppe. It’s going to be a very special evening!”

Benedictine extends gratitude to all the families and community members that support its Spring Gala along with event sponsors which include The Brett and Molly Sause Family Fund, BUCS Engineering, Mullen, Sondberg, Wimbish and Stone, Preston Automotive Group, Pep Up, The Nolan Investment Group, Willow Construction and Acrisure.

Tickets to the “Benedictine Bourbon Street Masquerade” Spring Gala, can be purchased HERE or you can contact Amy Pippin at 410.364.9613 / [email protected].  Sponsorship Opportunities are also available. Please contact Caroline Bauerle, Director of Development, at 410.369.9612 / [email protected].

For room reservations, please call the Tidewater Inn at 410.822.1300 to get a discounted rate on room reservations. You can also contact the Easton Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott at 410.822.0050 and mention you would like one of the rooms reserved for Benedictine.

Benedictine celebrated milestones in service for 50 of its dedicated staff members in early December. The awards were presented to employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30, 45, and 55 years of service.

Phyllis Young celebrated 55 years with Benedictine. During her tenure, Young filled many roles in the School residential program, as a Nursing Assistant, Vocational Teacher, Home Economics Teacher, and Summer Camp Teacher’s Aide. She was previously honored by the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF) as a recipient of the “Inspiring Dreams, Changing Lives” Award.

Executive Assistant, Carolyn Ebling, celebrated 45 years with Benedictine. “Carolyn, is the person behind the scenes who has positively affected so many people during her time at Benedictine,” commented Executive Director Scott Evans. “She works tirelessly, never seeking recognition and her dedication, support, and guidance is invaluable.”

Benedictine commends all its staff milestone awardees for their compassion, dedication, dependability, and caring devotion for the children and adults they serve and for their commitment to Benedictine. These traits are demonstrated in their interactions with the people they support and their families, as well as their co-workers and community partners.

Benedictine employs over 350 staff that are dedicated to serving children and adults with moderate to severe developmental disabilities and autism. For more information on Benedictine’s events, services and ways to support, please contact Claudia Cunningham at [email protected] or call 410 634 2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.