Benedictine supported adults at the Chrome City Fundraiser.

Bikers and classic car enthusiasts gather in support of the students and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Benedictine.

Marking its 22^nd year, the Chrome City Fundraiser drew hundreds of motorcycles, hot rods, classic, custom, and vintage cars to the Benedictine’s campus in Ridgely, Maryland on July 27. The day included a car and motorcycle competition, live music by the Stoneflies – a Paul Reed Smith employee band, door prizes, and children’s activities. The Benedictine Foundation’s Chrome City Fundraiser supports students and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential.

“Chrome City was a fun day with stunning cars and bikes, great vendors, live music, and plenty to see and do. PRS Guitars was happy to support the event this year with a display, entertainment, and guitar raffle. Free to the public and just a modest entry fee for show vehicles, Chrome City has the feel of a county fair and helps to support Benedictine’s very worthy cause,” stated Jack Higginbotham, Chief Operating Officer, PRS Guitars. Higginbotham went on to explain, “I have personally seen the good work they do in our community firsthand  – my son, William, got a lot out of the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) program where he was taught job training skills at their Community Services and Training Center in Easton.”

The first 200 cars that registered received a dash plaque and everyone that registered received a commemorative Chrome City t-shirt. Best in Show was awarded to Craig and Diane Postlewait for their 1938 Packard Model Eight and Bill Bugai for his 1949 Vindian Relica Chief Prototype motorcycle. Tim Lewis won the donated PRS Guitar signed by Mark Tremonti of Creed.

Numerous food trucks were on site 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.

Sponsors of this year’s Chrome City included A.H. Hatcher, Acruise, Blue Ruin, Bullocks Deli, Choptank, Cast Country Cares with Spicer Bros, Fresh Air Concepts, The Jetty, Koons Easton Toyota, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Queenstown Bank, Red Knights Motorcycle Club, South Corrosion, Dukes-Moore Insurance Agency, Torchio Architects, and PepUp. Chrome City was also supported by numerous families, friends and staff. The Delaware All Wheels Open Class Car Show selected Benedictine as a charity of choice and presented Benedictine with a check the day of the event.

“Over the past three year’s Benedictines Chrome City has raised over a quarter million dollars. The generosity of our sponsors and donors demonstrates the importance of the work our organization does to support children and adults living with developmental disabilities,” commented Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer. “Everything about this special day is uplifting and touches lives in profound ways.”

If you would like more information on how you can support Benedictine, please contact Claudia Cunningham at [email protected] or 410. 634.2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org.

Benedictine supported adults at the Chrome City Fundraiser.

Chrome City Best in Show vehicle winner.

Chrome City PRS Guitar raffle winner.

All Wheels Open Class Car Show donation to Chrome City.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider whose 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 close to 400 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine has welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors – Candace Chiaruttini, Bruce T. Miller, Susan O’Neill and Larry Porter. “We are thrilled to add these talented individuals to our team,” commented Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans. “Each brings a unique set of skills that will enhance Benedictine’s mission to support children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential.”

Candace Chiaruttini and her husband, Paul Milne, are active members of the Easton community. They founded the famed restaurant 208 Talbot in St. Michael’s and the Oaks Waterfront Inn in Easton. Chiaruttini’s childhood friend is a supported adult at Benedictine, and she admires the services it provides the developmentally disabled community.

Bruce T. Miller has an extensive background in financial management having worked in bank management and served as the finance director for a range of municipal governments, including the City of Annapolis. He is currently the Director of the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Finance.

Susan O’Neill is the Executive Director of the Upper Shore Regional Council and chairs the Board of the Rural Maryland Council, an association that disseminates state funding and promotes rural communities.  O’Neill’s sister is supported by Benedictine and lives in one of its adult group homes.

Larry Porter has served Caroline County since 2011, including in the capacity of President of the Caroline County Commissioner, and is the Commissioners’ Representative on the Mid-Shore Regional Council. He has served on numerous local boards and took a leadership role on the Caroline Health Task Force, which led to the development of a historic agreement with the Shore Regional Health System to improve health outcomes in the county.

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

Candance Chiaruttini, an active member of the Easton community, has joined the Benedictine Board of Directors.

Bruce T. Miller, Director of the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Finance, has joined the Benedictine Board of Directors.

Susan O’Neill, Executive Director of the Upper Shore Regional Council, has joined the Benedictine Board of Directors.

Larry Porter, Caroline County Commissioner, has joined the Benedictine Board of Directors.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider whose 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 close to 400 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Chrome City Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, July 27th on Benedictine’s school campus in Ridgely. Classic and custom cars, hot rods and motorcycles are all welcome. The fundraiser raises critical funds for the children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism that Benedictine supports.

Bikers & Classic Car Enthusiasts Joining the Event to Support Benedictine

Marking its 22^nd year, the Benedictine Foundation Chrome City Fundraiser will occur on Saturday, July 27th, on the Benedictine campus in Ridgely, Maryland. This annual event draws hundreds of classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts to Benedictine’s Ridgely campus to support 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. If you don’t have a classic car or motorcycle, you can still join the festivities, as there will be a lot of cars and motorcycles on display.

Participants are encouraged to register online before the event for a discounted fee of $35. On the event day, registration will be open at 9:00 a.m. and run until n12:00 p.m. for $40. The first 200 cars that register will receive a commemorative car plaque. Everyone who registers will receive an official Chrome City t-shirt.

During the event, a Paul Reed Smith Guitar (PRS) signed by Mark Tremonti of Creed will be raffled off—$ 40 for each raffle ticket and 3 raffle tickets for $100. Tickets can be purchased prior to the event online or at Chrome City on July 27th. You can purchase tickets here: https://benschool.org/chrome-city-fundraiser/. The winner will be announced at Chrome City. PRS guitars are being provided for guests to play, and “Stoneflies,” a PRS employee band, will perform live during the event.

Chrome City will have food trucks onsite to purchase breakfast and lunch. Food trucks from 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 are some of the food vendors who will be participating. Craft vendors and children’s activities are also part of the event this year.

Sponsors of the event include A. H. Hatcher, Inc., PRS Guitars, Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Pep Up Inc., Torchio Architects INC., Koons Toyota Easton, Acrisure, LLC, Bullock’s Deli, Grill & Ice Cream, Country Coast Cares & Spicer Bros., The Jetty, and Queenstown Bank.

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

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

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 close to 400 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Mary, a Benedictine-supported adult, posed with her sister, Maggi, Benedictine Board President, after crossing the finish line at the Blueberry Boogie 5K Run/Walk.

Annual Blueberry Boogie Event Raises Record Funds for Benedictine

 Godfrey’s Farm held its 4th annual Blueberry Boogie 5K Run/Walk to benefit Benedictine with 200 participants walking or running in the race. This year’s event raised more than $20,000 which included a matching grant from Denise Kaczmarczyk and John Johnson. These funds will support Benedictine’s programs which provide crucial services for children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism.

“We look forward to this day every year- the race is just so exciting! So many people come together, and have wholesome, healthy fun- all in the name of a great cause that is Benedictine. It’s become a tradition for so many families which is beautiful to see and be a part of,” stated Lisa Godfrey.

Runners, walkers, and guests enjoyed Godfrey’s homemade apple cider donuts and fresh blueberries at the finish line.

Sponsors of the event included Godfrey’s Farms, People’s Bank, Harbor Sales Company, Bearing Construction, Graul’s Market, Keany Produce & Gourmet, Serenity Farm Produce, Cross Street Food & Garden, Williard Agri-Service, Langenfelder Pork, Queenstown Bank, Richard Brusca Nursery Inc., and Shine Pro Cleaning.

For more information about Godfrey’s Farm, please visit www.godfreysfarm.com.

For more information on Benedictine and how you can support their mission, please contact Claudia Cunningham, Chief Advancement Officer at 410 634 2292 or [email protected].

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 close to 400 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine celebrated 10 graduates of their school on June 6th. Elya shown here was awarded Student Of The Year.

Classmates, families, teachers, leadership and support staff joined in on the celebration

(Ridgely, MD – June 18, 2024) – Benedictine is proud to announce the graduation of 10 students from its school on June 6^th. The celebration took place on their Ridgely Campus and is a culmination of many years of hard work for students in overcoming challenges so they can achieve their greatest potential.

“We celebrated 10 graduates who are moving on to the adult world this year. It was an evening made special with the smiles and enthusiasm of our students, the pride and excitement of their families, and the dedication and creativity of our graduation committee and staff – you reminded us all of the passion and love we have for our students and our mission!” shared Education Director Julie Hickey. “The celebration was a great example of our core values – Dignity, Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence.”

Students were also celebrated for their unique qualities with awards given for the most determined, most compassionate, best laugh, social butterfly, best friend and best smile. After the ceremony, graduates gathered for a reception with family, friends and staff.

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities can join the Benedictine school as early as kindergarten and graduate when they turn 21. For more information about the Benedictine school, please contact the Admissions and IEP Coordinator at [email protected].

For more information about Benedictine’s job-ready workforce, please contact Adult Services Program Manager Robin McDuffie at [email protected]. For information on how you can support Benedictine and its mission, please contact the Chief Advancement Officer Claudia Cunningham at [email protected].

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 Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 370 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Benedictine has been named What’s Up? Media Best Nonprofit Eastern Shore 2024. Shown here are students attending vocational training at Benedictine’s training facility in Easton, Maryland.

Benedictine has been awarded the 2024 Best Nonprofit Organization Eastern Shore by What’s Up? Media for a second year in a row. The awards are selected by What’s Up? Media’s annual reader’s poll and Benedictine was chosen for this coveted honor amongst more than 300 nonprofits in the Eastern Shore region.

Benedictine will be recognized along with all the Best of Eastern Shore, Best of Annapolis and Best of Central Maryland winners at the annual Best Of Party held in Annapolis on June 11th. This event celebrates the best of the region’s restaurants, businesses, and professional services in a variety of categories. All the winners will be will also be featured in the June issue of What’s Up? Eastern Shore, What’s Up? Annapolis, and What’s Up? Central Maryland.

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

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.

Co-chairs Candi Chiaruttini and Paul Milne pose with a Benedictine-supported adult and his family on the dance floor at the Bourbon Street Masquerade Gala.

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.

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 all nominees of the Sister Jeannette Award at the annual Staff Appreciation Celebration.

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.

Chrome City Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, July 27th at Benedictine’s school campus in Ridgely. Classic and custom cars, hot rods and motorcycles are all welcome.

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.