Every Step Counts at Anne Arundel Community College

Spirits were high Saturday morning during Bello Machre’s Every Step Counts fundraiser walk/bike event around Anne Arundel Community College (AACC).

Even though the sun was hiding, brightness and warmth emanated from everyone who participated in the day’s festivities.

Bello Machre, which means home of my heart in Gaelic, is a Glen Burnie-based organization that aids people with developmental disabilities and their families. They also serve more than 150 adults in their 54 Anne Arundel County homes.

“Every Step Counts is our most successful event,” said Development Director Tracy Lynott. “The event brings together the folks we serve and their families, staff, volunteers and other supporters to promote advocacy and to show the community what we are all about.”

President and CEO Robert Ireland agreed.

“I always enjoy seeing people from the community interact with the people we serve. It’s good for everyone,” he said.

Bello Machre has formed a special partnership with AACC.

“We have lots of student interns and we make sure to give them work that applies to the cause. Rather than the menial stuff, we teach the students about people with developmental disabilities and about the importance of volunteer service,” Lynott said. “We also have a great relationship with many department professors and work with them on how we can become better teachers through service learning.”

“It’s been a great day,” said Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Michelle Bathras, while getting a hug from one of the Bello Machre residents. “We’re excited for this new venue and it’s good to see such a great turnout. AACC provides us with a great place to grow and we look forward to a continued partnership with the community college. Not only do our interns generally come back to volunteer after their commitment is done, but former staff members come back year after year to volunteer, too.”

During Every Step Counts, the people Bello Machre serve, families and volunteers got to enjoy a walk/bike ride, kids games, prizes, a clown, a raffle and even Big Vanilla’s rock climbing wall.

“All of that was complimentary for participants,” Lynott said. “So many people give to us and we wanted to be able to say thank you.”

“This has been our biggest and best event ever,” said Ireland. “I know people have been out working hard to raise money and get donations. We hope to hit the $125,000 mark.”

All proceeds raised by Every Step Counts directly affect the people Bello Machre serves.

“The money goes back to them in services,” said Lynott. “There are so many people in need in our community, and we are glad that when they need help, they call Bello Machre.”

For more information about Bello Machre or to make a donation, please visit bellomachre.org.