Every Step Counts 2023 Recap!

Bello Machre, a Maryland-based non-profit organization providing supports and services for people with developmental disabilities, welcomed over 400 participants at their 32^nd annual Every Step Counts event. The fundraiser took place on June 10^th at Anne Arundel Community College and Manchester Valley High School raising over $225,000 in donations and generous sponsorship contributions for those receiving services from Bello Machre and their families.

“Thank you so much for what each and every one of you do”, said Delegate Mark Chang. “What each of you do is so important, it really does matter. You’re really changing lives. You’re really making the world a better place. Congratulations on a wonderful event.”

Bello Machre employees, board members, community leaders, sponsors, partners, individuals, and family members all gathered on Saturday morning to walk, bike, and dance in an effort to raise both funds and awareness for the people with developmental disabilities supported by Bello Machre.

Bello Machre provides life changing services for people with developmental disabilities thanks to support from community donors and sponsors. Presenting Sponsors Commercial Insurance Managers and SCLogic both made generous donations in the amount of $25,000 each towards the event. Champion Sponsor, Community Bank of the Chesapeake, made their donation in the amount of $10,000. Ambassador Sponsors: Cattail Construction Inc., Dimensional Health Care Associates, Inc., First National Bank, and Tential each contributed $5,000.

“The sun was shining brightly on our Every Step Counts event. It was an amazing day of walking, facepainting, games, dancing, and socializing,” said Tracy Lynott, Bello Machre’s Director of Development. “Our generous community of supporters came out in full force to support Bello Machre and the hundreds of people we support. We can’t thank everyone enough for being a part of our 2023 event.”

Walking and biking may have been in the spotlight, but there were many fun activities present at the annual fundraiser. Face painting, balloon animals, and a moon bounce were all provided by Mr. Moonbounce. Free Reflexology sessions were provided by Teresa Swanke with Dragonfly and Millennial-X Entertainment kept the party going with their DJing and fun music.

The celebration wouldn’t have been possible without the support of amazing amenity and supply providers. Event catering was provided by Julie St. Marie. Gotugo provided toilet facilities and Absolute Party Rental provided event tents, tables, chairs.

The venue was made possible thanks to AACC Facilities, AACC Public Safety, and AACC Event Services. The stylish Every Step Counts shirts worn by all attendees were provided by ASAP Screenprinting & Embroidery. ClearEdge Marketing assisted in both Every Step Counts fundraising as well as event marketing campaigns.

The Every Step Counts Carroll County event was made possible thanks to Dreamer’s Event Rentals who supplied tents, chairs, and tables. Entertainment was made possible thanks to Wonderfly’s games, Shiny Entertainment’s DJing, and Clown-n-around’s costumes and face painting.

Bello Machre looks forward to Every Step Counts 2024!

About Bello Machre

Bello Machre, founded in 1972, means home of my heart in Gaelic. It is a non-profit organization with offices in Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties, MD, that provides a lifetime of loving care, beautiful wheelchair-accessible homes, and community support to people with developmental disabilities. Many of the people supported live in its 50 community homes located throughout Central Maryland as part of our Residential/ Group Home Services.

Bello Machre also provides Personal Supports Services to hundreds of children and adults in their own homes. Respite care is an add-on service to Personal Supports during family hospitalizations, emergencies, and vacations. Our caring staff is available during this time for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Meaningful Day Services provide community-based day services, plus supported employment for people with developmental disabilities. The Hertha and Jesse Adams 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.