Spring Benefit 2009 Raises Over Half a Million Dollars
Benedictine Celebrates 50 Years of Achievement

Our spectacular Spring Benefit was a highly anticipated and featured event of our 50th anniversary year. Always one of the Eastern Shore’s premiere fundraising events, this year’s gala was a once-in-a-lifetime celebration at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland. This was the biggest and best Spring Benefit yet. Over 360 people attended and experienced a very special evening of recollection and recognition of all that has been accomplished by the Sisters of St. Benedict and the school’s professional staff. More than $509,000 was raised to continue the school’s mission of improving the lives of people with special needs.

“Spring Benefit has always been about fulfilling our calling to improve the lives of our kids people,” said Sister Jeannette, “and that is true this 50th year more than ever, as we look back over the years fondly, and look ahead to the future with excitement.” She was given a special award to honor her 50 years of service. Sister was also featured in a special video premiered Saturday evening which dramatically showed the school’s founding and development and included a message from TV host Jay Leno. The love and pioneering expertise which characterize Benedictine’s care for individuals with disabilities was evident throughout the moving presentation. Check here soon to view the video.

Our keynote speaker Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics International, delivered a dynamic address encouraging us to work to change the language that marginalizes those with disabilities, and urging greater support for and inclusion of special needs individuals, as well as recognizing and encouraging their gifts. “The Benedictine School’s model needs to be the standard everywhere,” Dr. Shriver said, “not just one place.” Audrey Hall, Special Olympics athlete and Benedictine student, introduced Dr. Shriver and presented him with a gift of one of her professionally framed photographs.

In another highlight of the evening, Sister Jeannette presented the “Cornerstone Award” to the family of Charles and Catherine Knott, lifelong benefactors of the Benedictine School. Builder Henry Knott’s company constructed many of Benedictine’s original buildings; others were added under Charlie Knott’s guidance during his 30 years of service to the school, including 10 years as President of the Board of Directors. Charlie’s wife Kitty continued their generous financial support for many more years. Without the Knott family, the Benedictine School as it stands today would not exist. Charlie Knott, Jr. accepted the award on behalf of the family.

State Delegates Adelaide C. Eckardt and Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio also presented signed resolutions from the Maryland State Senate and House of Delegates in honor of Benedictine’s 50 years of service.
CLICK HERE to view the Senate Resolution. CLICK HERE to view the House Resolution.

We closed out our celebration dancing to the music of a great band, Radio City, and enjoying being together as a community united in our great cause.