Severna Park Voice and Café Mezzanotte Name Bello Machre Beneficiary of the 5th Annual Art in the Park

Anne Arundel County, MD — October 15th, 2025 — Bello Machre, a Maryland nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with developmental disabilities, is honored to share that Severna Park Voice and Café Mezzanotte partnered to present this year’s 5th annual Art in the Park celebration, selecting Bello Machre as the event’s beneficiary. The 5th annual celebration brought neighbors together for live music, local art, delicious food, and a one-of-a-kind wine garden, creating a joyful gathering focused on community, creativity, and connection that lifted up Bello Machre and the people we serve.

“Thank you to the Severna Park Voice, especially Jonathan Katz, and to Kosmas ‘Tommie’ Koukoulis of Café Mezzanotte for making Art in the Park such a great day,” said Dr. Robert T. Ireland, President and CEO of Bello Machre. “We are honored to be the beneficiaries of your generosity. On behalf of the hundreds of children and adults with disabilities we support, thank you.”

Hosted at Café Mezzanotte and co-presented with Severna Park Voice, Art in the Park celebrated local musical and artistic talent and hospitality while raising awareness for Bello Machre’s lifetime of supports, including residential homes, community and employment programs, Ray of Hope funding, and nursing services

Jonathan Katz, Vice President of Development at Severna Park Voice, said, “My family has an emotional attachment to Bello Machre. When my son Aaron was 12, one of his chores was to mow the lawn for the Bello Machre house. I want to acknowledge Dr. Robert Ireland, who has spent his life serving others and has been with Bello Machre for 46 years.”

Support from Art in the Park will help provide safe and welcoming homes and daily supports, fund therapies, transportation, and adaptive equipment, and expand community engagement and employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities across Maryland.

About Café Mezzanotte

Café Mezzanotte is a Mediterranean restaurant in Severna Park, Maryland known for thoughtful hospitality, seasonal menus, and a strong commitment to local partners. Led by owner Kosmas “Tommie” Koukoulis, the team pairs great food and welcoming service with a deep investment in the community through events, fundraisers, and education. Café Mezzanotte is proud to celebrate creativity and connection while supporting local nonprofits and neighbors.

About Severna Park Voice

Severna Park Voice is a community newspaper and media outlet serving Severna Park and the surrounding area. The Voice highlights local stories, schools, arts, sports, and civic life, helping neighbors stay informed and engaged. Through reporting, events, and partnerships, the Voice brings people together and shines a light on the individuals and organizations that make the community strong.

About Bello Machre

Bello Machre, founded in 1972, means “home of my heart” in Gaelic. It is a nonprofit organization with offices in Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties, Maryland. Bello Machre provides a lifetime of loving care, beautiful wheelchair accessible homes, and community support to people living in its 50 community homes across Central Maryland as part of our Residential and Group Home Services.

Bello Machre also provides Community Development Services (CDS) to help people build skills, make connections, and engage in community life, along with Employment Services that support people to prepare for work, find jobs, and succeed in the workplace. The Hertha and Jesse Adams Ray of Hope Program offers assistance with expenses such as specialized summer camps, therapy, and adaptive equipment. Bello Machre is here to help, empowering people with developmental disabilities to live life to the fullest.