The “Mad Hatter” Spring Benefit Gala for Benedictine Programs and Services drew 370 people to the Tidewater Inn in Easton, Md., on Friday and Saturday evenings, April 29 and 30. The unique event raised more than $270,000 toward Benedictine’s annual fundraising needs totaling $1.5 million to provide education, training, and community integration opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
“I’m overwhelmed and humbled by this outpouring of generosity for the individuals in our programs,” said Scott Evans, Executive Director of Benedictine. “We came here and enjoyed a great party with funny hats, an evening among some of the most caring people anywhere, and we left with significant support for our mission,” he added.
Benedictine’s Spring Benefit Gala is one of the Eastern Shore’s premiere fundraising events. The highlight of the weekend was a live auction featuring vacation getaway packages to New York City, Napa Valley wine country, and a culinary experience in Ottawa, Canada, among others. The original fundraising goal was exceeded by 50 percent.
The opening reception on Saturday evening in the Crystal Room included an opportunity for everyone to create an outrageous hat in the spirit of the Mad Hatter’s theme for the evening. A green screen photo booth allowed guests to pose with family and friends and immediately post their photos to Benedictine’s Facebook page. Then an elegant dinner followed the auction in The Tidewater Inn’s Gold Room, decorated as Alice’s Wonderland. After dinner Benedictine honored Brett Rhodes, physical education and athletics program director, coach, and a designer of the school’s state-of-the-art playground. Rhodes received the 2016 Sister Jeannette Award for outstanding service to Benedictine’s children. The evening concluded with dancing and celebrating in the Tidewater Inn’s Gold Room Garden.
On Friday evening, the night before, the weekend kicked off with a cocktail reception in the Crystal Room specifically to recognize and thank Benedictine’s caring and committed staff.
Providing opportunity to live meaningful, productive lives in communities of choice, Benedictine helps children and adults with developmental disabilities reach their greatest potential without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, or age.
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