Geneva’s Marklund puts on a ‘Top Hat’ Ball
January 13, 2010 by Andy Richardson
Filed under Announcements, Festivals, festivals
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Marklund will host its 14th Annual Top Hat Ball – “Celebrate Chinese New Year,” at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at Navy Pier’s historic Grand Ballroom, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Proceeds will benefit Marklund and its compassionate care of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.
Chaired by Mike and Carol Donahue of Geneva, the Top Hat Ball will include authentic Chinese dancers from the Chinese American Service League in Chinatown, musicians from the Chinese Fine Arts Society, and traditional Lion and Dragon dances from Chicago Dragon’s Athletic Association. There will be fine dining with some traditions of the Chinese culture, dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra, the presentation of Marklund’s “Friends of the Year” award, and an exceptional live auction. Although a black tie gala, many guests are planning to attend in “Chinese couture.”
The Top Hat Ball is known for its lavish live auction items. This year’s auction, chaired by Stacey Alexander of Plainfield and Sue Wick of Lombard, surpasses all others. Auctioneer David Goodman of Chicago’s Auction Results will offer packages that include a 12-day Asian cruise for two aboard the Seabourn Pride, a yacht that accommodates just 104 couples, and was donated by Seabourn and Viking Travel Agency. Named the #1 Small Ship Cruise Line in the world in the prestigious Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2009 and also named Best Floating Hotels by Gourmet Magazine, Seabourn yachts present a style that is the ultimate in luxury.
Another exquisite auction item is luncheon for eight at Cinderella’s Royal Table with the Royal Family at Walt Disney World, a tour of Cinderella’s Castle, complimentary photographs and autographs with Cinderella and her princess friends. This item includes four airline tickets from Chicago to Orlando and eight nights in a two-bedroom villa that sleeps up to nine, at Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge overlooking the savannah. It takes place from June 27 through July 5th over the popular Fourth of July holiday.
Other items are a trip for two to Costa Rica, a ski trip to Steamboat, CO; a trip to the PGA Master’s Tournament; unique Chicago Cubs experiences and many more.
A highlight of the annual Top Hat Ball is the presentation of Marklund’s prestigious “Friend of the Year” award. This year, the honor goes to a couple – George and Pam Rion of Bloomingdale. The Marklund Friend of the Year must demonstrate in his/her own way, publicly or privately, a heart of gold and the willingness to serve Marklund’s infants, children and adults in ways that will affect their lives significantly, now and in the future. The Rions certainly qualify. They have been involved with Marklund since 1992.
George has served in leadership capacities as the chair of the Marklund Golf Outing and as member of the former Development Council. For many years, Pam served as member of the DuPage County Board, and she was instrumental in working with Marklund leadership to ensure the not-for-profit was meeting the needs of families in DuPage County. By aligning Marklund’s goals with DuPage County goals, Marklund received county funding, both Community Development Block Grants and Human Services Grants.
Pam also was crucial in assisting Marklund with the process of securing the Certificate of Need for the last two 16-bed homes on the Mill Creek Campus. In fact, she was (and remains) an advocate for Marklund throughout DuPage County, raising awareness of Marklund programs and services. She retired from the DuPage County Board in 2008.
“The Rions have Marklund in their blood,” said Jeannine Zupo, director of the Top Hat Ball. “Not only have they been instrumental in helping Marklund grow and succeed, but their son, Chris, has become more involved on a volunteer level over the years, which truly shows the special place Marklund has in the Rion family’s heart. There is no better legacy to leave your children than teaching them to use their God-given talents and gifts to give back to the community. The Rions started volunteering at Marklund by opening gifts as a family with their then small children Chris and Beth on Christmas Eve at the Bloomingdale location, just down the street from their home. Their heart for the Marklund residents grew each year and has made a huge impact on many.”
Top Hat Ball committee members are Michael J. Ahlert, Carol Angelescu, Lynn Armbruster, Diana Book, Mayor Kevin Burns, Carie Carney, Jeff Cook, Chris and Vicki Deane, Karen Golden, Rob and Carol Hassels, Jackie Janega, Brian and Lily Kay, Jason Laub, Robert Levy, Randy Lindenberg, Kate McCracken, Jill Schluntz
Guests will enjoy 2009 pricing, with tickets on sale for $300 per person. Table sponsorship opportunities and discounted packages are available. To reserve tickets or for more information, call Jeannine Zupo, Top Hat Ball director, at 630-624-9874 or email to: jzupo@marklund.org
About Marklund
Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations.
Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.
In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.
For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org
Marklund’s 2009 Holiday Craft Fair features 35 artisans and vendors
November 10, 2009 by Andy Richardson
Filed under Community Events, Festivals
| November 21, 2009 | ||
| 9:00 am | to | 4:00 pm |
Marklund’s 2009 Holiday Craft Fair will be a full house of 35 vendors. It takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at the Marklund Hyde Center, 1 South 450 Wyatt Dr. Geneva. In addition to the vendors, there will be a very special Marklund booth featuring items handcrafted by Marklund’s developmental training clients.
Proceeds from the 2009 Holiday Craft Fair benefit Marklund, a network of programs and services that benefit the lives of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.
“The community response to our ‘call for crafters’ has been incredible,” said Vicki Krystof, communications manager at Marklund. “This is one craft fair to mark on your calendars. It’s really amazing.”
The items run the gamut and include: baby gifts, jewelry, fused glass, handcrafted soap, flower pots and handmade flowers, custom wood and acrylic pens, purses, Christmas tree ornaments and lots more. Also, all vendors have donated one item valued at $10 or more to Marklund for a raffle to be held during the Holiday Craft Fair. The Holiday Craft Fair also will include cosmetics and food vendors such as Longaberger baskets, Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, Premiere Jewelry, and Pampered Chef.
Admission is $1 for adults age 18 and over and includes a free raffle ticket. For more information, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482.
Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations.
Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.
In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.
For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org/.
Flavor Fare
October 1, 2009 by Joe Stanton
Filed under Festivals
Eeach month eGeneva Magazine reviews a different Geneva restaurant and touts their wares. Last month with the Flavor Fare right across the street from our offices, we couldn’t help but be reminded what a truly diverse menu of restaurants we have.
The four of us here at the magazine had no problem making the personal sacrifice to attend each day to sample these favorites on your behalf. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it!
The Flavor Fare featured appetizers, entrées and desserts from 18 of the area’s restaurants. Chianti’s
had their garlic crab pasta available for all to indulge, Moveable Feast had Oprah’s Favorite Brownies,
Atwater’s at The Herrington Inn offered their sautéed forest mushrooms in a puff pastry and Urban Grille shared their banana cream pie. And that’s just to name a few. Yes, I know we could have done it in one day; but we felt we owed it to you to try everything on the menu at least once. Okay, maybe twice.
And our reason for sharing with you our three-day food binge? To remind you of the varied and unique culinary experiences that exist in your own backyard. Next time you celebrate a special occasion or just want to try a new restaurant, you won’t have to travel far to find how our restaurants are another reason Geneva is unique.
This article first appeared in the October 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.
Festival of the Vine
September 9, 2009 by Carl H. Martens
Filed under Community Events, Festivals
| September 11, 2009 | to | September 13, 2009 |
Photo provided by Geneva Daily Photo.
Savor the flavor of Geneva during our autumn harvest celebration, Festival of the Vine as Geneva restaurants create a “smorgasbord” of specialties all under a grand outdoor tent. The event also includes wine tastings, seminars and events, grape stomping, a flower market, a craft and gorgeous gourds show on Saturday & Sunday, first-rate musical entertainment plus great shopping in Geneva’s historic downtown. The Kids’ Patch offers a hay stack treasure hunt, tractor pull, gourd crafts, face painting and entertainment on Sept. 12-13 behind the old courthouse. General admission is free; fee for some activities. Geneva’s train station is located on S. Third Street just blocks from the festivities.
When: Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13, 2009
Where: W. State (Route 38) & N. Fourth Street
Age Range: All Ages
Ticket Phone: 630-232-6060
Contact: chamberinfo@genevachamber.com
