Every Step Counts To Honor Kenny Elgert

Bello Machre is hosting its annual Every Step Counts fundraiser, and this year, the event will honor Kenny Elgert, who passed away in March.

“He was with us for only a little over a year, but in that time, he really touched everybody’s heart in our department and a lot of the individuals that he interacted with as well,” said Cameo White, a program director in Bello Machre’s support services department. “His enthusiasm and his energy and that great, big, huge grin, it was totally endearing for all of us.”

The support services department is fundraising for Team Kenny during this year’s Every Step Counts. If Team Kenny hits certain fundraising milestones — $5,000 or $10,000 — the department plans to create a memorial donation in honor of Kenny.

“His passing was such a shock that we were all like, ‘Oh, my goodness, how can we help the family? How can we honor him? How can we make sure that they know that they’re still part of the larger Bello Machre family and we’re always going to be there for them and we’re always going to remember Kenny?’” White said.

Every Step Counts aims to be as inclusive as possible. It is open for people to walk, run, bike, rollerblade — even ride motorized wheelchairs.

“We meet everybody on all levels,” White said. “It’s a really fun time, and it’s active, which is a bonus because we like to keep our individuals active.”

After the actual walk is over, there will be a variety of activities: awards, games, ring tosses, face painting, music and food.

Every Step Counts takes place Saturday, June 8, at Anne Arundel Community College. Registration begins at 8:30am, and the walk kicks off at 9:00am. To register for the event or make a donation, visit www.bellomachre.org/every-step-counts. Registration requires a minimum donation of $25.