Bello Machre Dedicates New Home Honoring the Legacy of Paul West

SEVERNA PARK, Md. — Bello Machre welcomed more than 35 guests on Thursday, June 25th, to celebrate the dedication of an Anne Arundel County home, honoring the extraordinary legacy of Paul West and the lasting impact of his generosity.

Community leaders, supporters, and members of the Bello Machre family gathered for the dedication, including Anne Arundel County Councilwoman Amanda F. Fiedler, Anne Arundel County Councilwoman Allison Pickard, Allison O’Brien, Chief of Staff representing Maryland State Senator Dawn Gile, and Incoming Bello Machre Board Chair Andy Cooch and Treasurer Micky Thomas.

Although Paul West had only a few interactions with Bello Machre during his lifetime, the organization’s mission left a lasting impression on him. His generosity helped create a welcoming, wheelchair-accessible home where people with developmental disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and receive a lifetime of loving care. The dedication celebrated not only the opening of a new home, but also the enduring impact one person’s kindness can have on generations to come.

“Paul West’s remarkable $616,000 estate gift to Bello Machre is one of the largest donations our organization has ever received,” said Tracy Lynott, Director of Development. “What makes this gift even more extraordinary is that it was given without fanfare or expectation of recognition. This type of altruistic giving is the highest form of philanthropy—a selfless act of generosity given solely to make a difference. Paul’s generosity, humility, and belief in our mission have made our South Jennings Road home possible and will positively impact lives for generations to come.”

West’s gift was made through his estate after years of quietly supporting Bello Machre’s mission. His longtime friend, Ella Smith, who served as executor of his estate, said she was deeply moved when she discovered the impact he had planned to make. Although West never sought recognition, she believes the home’s dedication is a meaningful reflection of his legacy.

“It was just so fulfilling to know that he had left that amount of money for the future of Bello Machre,” Smith said. “Just the fact that there’s a home in Severna Park now named after him, I think would have made him very, very happy.”

The Paul West Home, located in Severna Park, stands as a lasting tribute to West’s generosity and will provide people with developmental disabilities a place to live with dignity, independence, and the support they need to thrive. For years to come, the home will serve as a reminder that one person’s generosity can create opportunities, provide security, and transform lives.

About Bello Machre

Bello Machre, a non-profit organization with offices in Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties, MD, provides a lifetime of loving care, beautiful wheelchair-accessible homes, and community support to people living in its 50 community homes located throughout Central Maryland as part of our Residential/Group Home Services. Our Community Development Services provide community-based day services, plus employment services for people with developmental disabilities. The Ray of Hope Program offers assistance with expenses such as specialized summer camps, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment. Bello Machre is here to help, empowering people with developmental disabilities to live life to its fullest. bellomachre.org