Funds raised support critical services for those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism
(Ridgely, MD – April 27, 2026) – Guests were transported to a world of superheroes at Benedictine’s “Calling All Superheroes” Gala on April 25, 2026. Held at the Trident Aircraft Hangar, over 150 guests raised nearly $180,000 for the intellectually and developmentally disabled and autistic children and adults supported by Benedictine.
Candi Chiaruttini and Paul Milne of Easton, MD, co-chaired the event. Candi and Paul are active members of the Easton community, who founded the legendary restaurant 208 Talbot in St. Michael’s and owned The Oaks Waterfront Inn until 2022.
Scott Evans, CEO of Benedictine, gave opening remarks and thanked former Board Chair, Margaret Madden for her service. He also welcomed incoming Board Chair, Victoria Brennan.
“Our annual Spring Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year! We’re thrilled to have old friends and new join us to celebrate all of Benedictine’s Superheroes – the children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support, our amazing and dedicated staff, families and our supporters who make it all possible!” said Caroline Bauerle, Chief Advancement Officer.
Two awards were given the previous night at the Staff Celebration and announced at the Gala, the Sister Jeannette Murray Award and the Sister Mary Agnes Heart of Benedictine Award. The Sister Jeannette Award is given to a staff member nominated by their peers and is considered a high honor. Danielle Poore is the 2026 recipient of the Sister Jeannette Award. Danielle is the Coordinator of Transition and Educational Compliance, helping students prepare for their next steps after graduating from the Benedictine School.
The Heart of Benedictine Award embodies the love and care everyone involved with Benedictine gives to the children and adults they support. This award recognizes outstanding and dedicated service to the Benedictine Community. It serves to remind us of our core values of Dignity, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence. Mary Lynn Wright is the 2026 recipient of the Heart of Benedictine Award. Mary Lynn is the Garden Center manager and has over 35 years of service at Benedictine.
Guests of the Gala enjoyed cuisine from Hambleton House catering, music by Steve Moody’s Entertainment Connection, and a photobooth by FotoBerry.
Sponsors included many Benedictine family members & friends, as well as: Acrisure, RBC Wealth Management Coastal Private Wealth, Prospera, Graystone Consulting from Morgan Stanley, Willow Construction, PepUp, Kleppinger Electric, Queenstown Bank, Mullen Sondberg, Wimbish, & Stone, Edward Jones, On Your Mark Lighting Design and Equipment, and Easton Utilities.
For more information on Benedictine’s events, services, and ways to support please contact Caroline Bauerle, Chief Advancement Officer at caroline.bauerle@benschool.org or call 410.634.2292. Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org
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About Benedictine:
Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider whose mission is to support children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine currently supports around 200 children and adults.
The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties.
Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 22 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, Kent, and Anne Arundel Counties.
Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community.
Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and the Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with over 400 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.
