400 thundering motorcycles and 100 chrome polished custom and classic cars cruised the highways for the Eighth Annual Chrome City Ride on Sunday, September 13th. For the children and adults with disabilities at the Benedictine School in Ridgely, it was the exciting highlight of the new year.  It was the day these riders roared into campus with all that awesome chrome, and the day that the riders raised more than $96,000 to enrich the lives of people with special needs.

“This is the eighth year for the Chrome City Ride, and every year it gets better and more fun,” said Benedictine’s Director, Sister Jeannette Murray, O.S.B.  “All the riders from previous years keep coming back, and they’re bringing more and more friends with them.”  The friends are as important to Sister Jeannette as the funds.  “Every dollar coming into our program is a blessing, but to our kids it is knowing they are valued by our community that is a greater treasure.  This is all about them.”

This year’s Ride took place on a beautiful day that broke a long week of dreary, wet days. Sister Jeannette gave credit to “Saint Harley” for the weather. Most of the credit for the event’s success goes to the volunteers of the Chrome City Ride Committee, many of whom are from Maryland’s law enforcement community, and to the generosity of many business and individual sponsors. “The money you have raised,” said Sister Jeannette, “goes into our scholarship fund, which helps families to bring their children with special needs to Benedictine.”

Owners of impressive cars and bikes from all over Maryland and Delaware gathered at seven designated locations, and then cruised in convoys to the Benedictine School.  For a $25 pledge, each rider got a T-shirt, catered lunch, entertainment, a chance for prizes and trophies, and a day of fun showing off their “chrome” to an appreciative crowd.  “Elvis” (in the person of impersonator Jim Godbold) was a big hit with the crowd as always.  It is a day of fun, but the unique atmosphere of Chrome City that makes it special, is a caring community coming to spend the day with kids who are so happy to have them. It is an event of the heart.

About Benedictine Programs and Services

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Benedictine Programs and Services is a nationally recognized, accredited and cost-effective educational living and learning environment for children and adults with special needs.  The Benedictine School, established in 1959 and managed by the Sisters of St. Benedict, is a fully approved, non-sectarian school for 92 children, ages 5 through 21, with intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities and autism.  The Benedictine Open Community Program serves adults ages 22 - 60+, offering community-based group-home living and vocational training. The Benedictine Foundation secures the financial resources needed to ensure the future of Benedictine’s programs, services and other activities.

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