Big Vanilla Athletic Club Partners With Bello Machre to Support People With Developmental Disabilities

PRESS RELEASE
Date: November 3, 2014

Contact: Tracy Lynott – Director, Development
443.702.3016 Email: tlynott@bellomachre.org

Big Vanilla Athletic Club Partners With Bello Machre
to Support People With Developmental Disabilities

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND: Over 200 bike riders and exercise enthusiasts came out to the Big Vanilla Athletic Club’s Spin-A-Thon fundraiser, held in the club’s parking lot. The 24-hour fundraiser started at 5 PM on Friday, September 26, 2014 and continued until 5 PM on Saturday, September 27, 2014. The event raised over $3,000 benefiting people with developmental disabilities served by Bello Machre.

Dr. Robert T. Ireland, President and CEO of Bello Machre, commented, “The Big Vanilla Athletic Club has been a partner and supporter of Bello Machre for over ten years. The Spin-A-Thon is an outstanding example of creative corporate citizenship that allows businesses and customers to come together and make a difference.”

Dozens of stationery bikes were set-up in a tent outside the club for participants to join in the fun and get healthy for a great cause! Riders peddled to some fun tunes spun by a local DJ. Big Vanilla’s spin instructors did a phenomenal job keeping the momentum going overnight and into the wee hours of the morning.

Larry Ray, Owner of Big Vanilla, commented, “I couldn’t be more pleased to know that so many of our members stepped up, or should I say ‘Spun,’ to show their support during the Spin-A-Thon for such a great cause. We are proud to support Bello Machre, an organization that gives so much to the community through their services and care for those with developmental disabilities and their families. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Bello Machre.”

The major Sponsors included McFee Construction, Angels Food Market, and Bike Doctor who donated incredible prizes for raffle drawings that were held during the fundraiser. Raffle prizes were given out and presented to riders each hour of the Spin-A-Thon. The grand prize was a Trek Bike donated by the Bike Doctor.

Bello Machre, founded in 1972, means Home of My Heart in Gaelic. It is a non-profit organization in Anne Arundel Country, Maryland that provides homes and support to children, teens, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to enrich the lives of those served through loving care, guidance, and opportunity so that they can live life to its fullest. Many of the people served live in its 58 community homes located throughout Central Maryland. Bello Machre also provides help 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. Trained and caring staff also 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 whatever is needed, empowering people with developmental disabilities to live life to its fullest.

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