FIRE honors the INSPIRATION of the Sisters of St. Benedict, which has brought Benedictine to life since 1959, when no one had yet thought to care for people with disabilities. May that inspiration burn brightly for years to come.

WATER symbolizes the INNOVATION of Benedictine’s faculty and staff. Like water, they persist each day in forging new pathways and new encouragement for our kids.

EARTH celebrates the LOYALTY of Benedictine’s friends and family. For nearly 50 years, through thick and thin, that loyalty has served as the foundation of Benedictine’s success.

AIR represents the HOPE for our kids. Whether they are 6 or 60, their potential is sky-high, and Benedictine provides the love they need to succeed.

Benedictine’s Spring Benefit Gala Raised $416,000!

Benedictine Programs and Services held their 30th Annual Spring Benefit in Annapolis on Saturday May 3, 2008. The gala event took place at the new Westin Hotel. More than 300 attendees from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region enjoyed the evening’s cocktail hour and dinner, special guest speakers Dick and Ginny Thornburgh, the presentation of the organization’s first-ever Cornerstone Award to Baltimore home builder Joe Keelty, and dancing until midnight. This was a celebration of Benedictine’s “Elements of Success,” and the event exceeded its fund raising goal, bringing in over $416,000 for tuition assistance for children with special needs.

Sister Jeannette Murray, O.S.B., Executive Director of Benedictine Programs and Services, said, “Every person who is a part of Benedictine has one great thing in common – devotion to the kids and to making their lives full and satisfying. That is the bond that makes gathering together like this so wonderful and so much fun!” The theme of this year’s benefit was to emphasize Benedictine’s unique qualities, explained Sister Jeannette, “what makes our school and programs so special. We really celebrated these elements of success: inspiration, innovation, loyalty and hope.”

The evening’s special guest speakers were Dick and Ginny Thornburgh.
CLICK HERE to read more about the Thornburghs

Benedictine’s first Cornerstone Award was presented to prominent Baltimore builder Joseph S. Keelty.
CLICK HERE to read more about Joe Keelty and the Cornerstone Award

On the Friday evening before Spring Benefit, a special VIP Reception at the U.S. Naval Academy Officer's Club was hosted by VAM (Retired) Al Burkhalter for Spring Benefit Sponsors and Committee, and Benedictine Board Members.
CLICK HERE for photos of the Friday evening Reception (page currently in development)

CLICK HERE for a sampling of photos of the Saturday evening Gala

Saturday, May 3rd was the culmination of many months of planning by Benedictine and the dedicated parent volunteers from all around the region, co-chaired by Brandon and Sandra Becker of Wheaton, MD, and Bob and Sharon Lentz of Edgewater, MD. This year’s theme celebrates the integral components that have contributed to Benedictine’s success over the years; the Inspiration of the Sisters of St. Benedict (fire); the Innovation of skilled, professional staff (water); the Loyalty of family and friends (earth/stone); and the Hope for the individuals served. This powerful combination sets Benedictine apart and ensures a bright future for children and adults with disabilities. And as ever, it is all thanks to you!

CLICK HERE to view a list of the Spring Benefit 2008 Committee

CLICK HERE to read about the kids who took the photos in our logo