A Trip to Tuscany tops Live Auction Items at Marklund’s Top Hat Ball

The live auction items are flooding in for Marklund’s 15th Annual Top Hat Ball – “Top Hat Ball Goes Hollywood.” The black tie gala takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Funds raised will help Marklund, a not-for-profit organization that provides compassionate care to infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities.

One of the top live auction prizes is titled, “Wine Time in Tuscany: Vacation in a Renaissance Painting… at il Rifugio.” A 17th century villa farmhouse in Cortona, Italy, will accommodate a maximum of eight guests, double occupancy, in a single party for a one week stay. The arrival day features a greeting and full orientation. Activities, all private, include a wine tasting at an Enoteca in Cortona, a tour and tasting at Palazzo Contucci in Montepulciano, a full-meal cooking class at Il Rifugio, and a tour and tasting at the Avignonesi wine estate. The farewell dinner will take place at the villa.

Surrounded by 56 acres of private land, Il Rifugio is a picturesque vacation venue for family and/or friends or for a romantic getaway. The surrounding countryside offers stunning valley and mountain views, many walking trails, and is just ten minutes from the ancient citadel Cortona, a small medieval hill town in eastern Tuscany. Cortona is the subject of many books and movies, most recently “Under the Tuscan Sun.”

There are five bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, large kitchen with open fireplace, pantry, dining room with generous table and seating for ten, living room with wood burning stove, upstairs sitting room with open fireplace, downstairs sitting room with day bed, den with daybed, outside barbeque with pizza oven, and a laundry room with washer and dryer. The kitchen has a large table, a dishwasher, a professional stove, and plenty of cookware. The large patio has a charming pergola (covered with wisteria in spring) and spectacular views. Included are gas for house heating, hot water, and cooking; wood for the fireplaces and wood burning stove; cleaning at the end of the stay (The villa will be spotless upon arrival); a cell phone for local calls; house phone for a reasonable number of long distance calls; free dial-up internet usage, Satellite TV, and a DVD and CD player.

It is said that “…if Italy is the body of art and culture in the world, Tuscany is the heart, and Cortona is its soul.”

A sampling of other fabulous live auction items includes:

• A seven night stay at the 8,000 sq. ft. villa of Casa Piazza, located in the exclusive ocean front community of LaPunta, Mexico.  Amenities include a fully staffed villa including a private chef, house manager, maid, houseman and an off-site house administrator There are five full bedrooms with private balconies and 6 ½ bathrooms. This auction prize is ideal for five couples or two families with kids.
• Two tickets to the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles with air and hotel
• Two tickets to the ESPY Awards with air and hotel. The ESPYs honor the best star athletes and memorable moments from the past year.
• Master’s tickets with air and hotel
• Instant wine cellar with over 200 fine bottles of wine
• One week vacation for eight at Disney Saratoga’s Tree Top Villas in Orlando, Florida, over the Thanksgiving holiday. This prize includes air fare for eight, eight Disney passes and eight Universal Theme Park passes. A Costa Rica villa with air travel provided
• A unique Cubs experience
• and many more…

Professional auctioneer David Goodman of Chicago’s Auction Results will keep things lively.

Tickets to the Top Hat Ball are $300 per person. Table sponsorship opportunities and discounted packages are available. To reserve tickets or for more information, visit http://www.tophatball.com or call Jeannine Zupo at 630-624-9874.

Marklund’s ‘Friend of the Year’ Award Recipient Selected

A highlight of Marklund’s annual Top Hat Ball is the presentation of the prestigious “Friend of the Year” award. This year, the honor goes to a family – Gary, Jean, and Beth Lederer – of St. Charles.

Marklund will host its 15th Annual Black Tie Gala – “Top Hat Ball Goes Hollywood,” at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The gala is black tie preferred, and many guests are planning to attend in “red carpet” couture.

Proceeds will benefit the infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities who are served by Marklund.

The “Friend of the Year” award began in 1980. The annual recipient is honored at The Top Hat Ball. The selection is made by the members of Marklund’s Board of Directors from nominations made by the Development Department. The Friend(s) 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 Lederers are such a great family and so involved,” said Jeannine Zupo, director of the Top Hat Ball. “A part of Marklund since 1991, they are a perfect example of what is possible when a family makes a commitment to serve others and makes it a priority in their lives. They are perfectly well-rounded givers, donating selflessly of their time, treasure, and talent throughout the year.”

During the 1990’s, Gary served on the Marklund Board of Directors for several years and as board chairman in 1997-1998. Initially Gary was approached to join the board to represent parents of children with developmental disabilities. His involvement preceded the residency of their son, Andrew, at Marklund, who now lives in the Marklund Sayers Home on the Mill Creek campus.

From the beginning of his service, Gary has obtained support for Marklund from his employers Pittway, System Sensor, and Honeywell. The couple sponsors a table every year at the Top Hat Ball, and they consistently do a lead gift for the Fund-in-Need bid at the event, with a match from Gary’s employer.

Jean was particularly involved in her son’s care at Marklund before the family moved to England, then Switzerland in 2008. She has always been very involved in fundraising for Marklund and has made a significant difference.

Andrew’s sister, Beth, has become the liaison for the Lederer family. Her Marklund involvement has grown over the years especially after her parents moved out of the country. Beth visits her brother at least weekly and volunteers in the other Marklund homes on a regular basis. Since 2008, she has volunteered more than 365 hours at the Mill Creek Campus.

“The Lederers are always thinking of Marklund,” Zupo said. “For example, they introduced Marklund Board Member Andrea Billhardt to Marklund, and we now have a home named after Andrea’s son, Tommy.”

The Lederers also have another son, Steve, who resides in Florida.

For more information about the Top Hat Ball, visit http://www.tophatball.com or call Jeannine Zupo at 630-624-9874

Marklund’s Dinner Auction a huge success

More than 180 guests including children attended Marklund’s 2010 Dinner Auction Shopping Extravaganza held Friday, Nov. 12, at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club, 2241 Route 59, West Chicago. This was the first year the event was geared toward families instead of couples, and by all accounts, all ages had a blast.

Not only was the event loads of fun, but more than $24,000 was raised for Marklund’s services, providing a full-life experience for infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Two children were congratulated for collecting more than $150 in donations for Marklund – Colette Methling of Elburn and Timothy Brown of Plainfield.

The evening included free family photos, and the children enjoyed decorating cookies. Dancers from Geneva’s State Street Dance Studio performed two numbers from “West Side Story.”

The silent and live auctions were successful, too. There were five live auction items, including a weeklong vacation near Jackson Hole, WY, courtesy of Sage Properties and United Airlines. More than 75 Chinese auction items included toys, home goods, foodie packages, and more, and 50 silent auction items featured getaways to Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells.

Gold sponsors were the International Skin Beauty Academy in Schaumburg, and McCullough, Rossi & Co., Ltd, Hoffman Estates. The silver sponsor was Meridian Design Build, Deerfield, and the bronze sponsor was Olsson Roofing Company in Aurora.

“Marklund is all about family, and it truly showed at our 2010 Dinner Auction,” said Vicki Krystof, director of development for Marklund. “Kids participated in the bidding and were drawn like magnets to the entertainment for the evening. Families dined and chatted with each other and friends. We couldn’t be luckier to have such a great group of supporters who came out, and we are thrilled with the event’s success. We couldn’t have done it without our great committee and generous sponsors.”

The dinner auction committee is resting on its laurels. Members include Lola Badmus of Algonquin, Kelly Behn of Arlington Heights, Mary Burchi of Hanover Park, Rosemary Campolattara of North Aurora, George and Arlana Fako of La Grange Park, Lisa Kleya of Woodstock, Lynn Macella of Glen Ellyn, Heather Manna of Batavia, Liz Musinski of Wheaton, Phyllis Perry of Chicago, Peggy Szarzynski of Winfield, and Carol Taylor of Elk Grove Village.

For more information, call Stevie Armbruster at 630-593-5473 or go to: http://www.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 2010 Holiday Craft Fair

December 4, 2010
9:00 am	to	3:00 pm
9:00 am	to	3:00 pm
9:00 am	to	3:00 pm

Marklund’s 2010 Holiday Craft Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Marklund Hyde Center, 1 South 450 Wyatt Dr. Geneva. More than 35 vendors will display and sell baby gifts, jewelry, fused glass, handcrafted soap, flower pots and handmade flowers, custom wood and acrylic pens, purses, Christmas tree ornaments and lots more. 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 or visit: http://marklund.org/craft-fair.html.

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 golf classic raises $167,000

On Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 230 golfers attended the 28th Annual Marklund Golf Classic at Hilton Chicago-Indian Lakes Resort, 250 W. Schick Road, Bloomingdale. More than $167,000 was raised for Marklund, a not-for-profit network of services providing a full-life experience for infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.

The golf event was led by Chairman George Webster, president of RAM Mechanical. Webster’s committee members included Ed Gunther, Kevin Hagen, Bob Korvas, Linda Kowalsky, Liliana Olalde, Jim Porter, Mark Ratay, Ginny Richardson, Vince Robles, Kevin Roche, Victor Rubino, Chuck Sheets, Steven Spurling, Jeanne Suzuki and Tim Tyrrell. In addition, Marklund’s Tracey Beattie was director of the golf outing.

“I support Marklund, because I see the passion, dedication and care that each staff member at Marklund provides the severely disabled kids and adults,” Webster said, “Few people ever accomplish what they do.”

The title sponsor for the 28th Annual Marklund Golf Classic was Porter Pipe & Supply Company of Addison.  Other major sponsors included RAM Mechanical Services, Ahead, LLC, Architectural Resources & Technologies, Inc., Sportsman Liquor, Bob Korvas Agency, Inc., Infotrack Information Services, Inc., The Irving Press, Mutual Fund Store, Pepsi, Hilton Chicago-Indian Lakes Resort and Polsinelli Shughart PC.

Golfers enjoyed lunch, drinks, massages, a Golden Tee video game contest, premium giveaways, a $5,000 RAM Mechanical Putting Contest and meeting 25 celebrity guests before they hit the course at 12:30 p.m. On the course, participants were entertained with contests, betting holes, a Mai Tai machine donated by Sydney Frank, a bourbon station presented by Heaven Hill Distilleries and two opportunities to win a car at holes sponsored by Zimmerman Ford and Joe Cotton Ford.

All sponsor foursomes were joined by a celebrity including former Cubs, Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, and other sports hall of famers.

“Each athlete supports Marklund’s efforts to bring the highest quality of life possible to individuals with developmental disabilities,” Webster said. “We appreciate their support very much.”

The evening banquet included drinks, dinner, awards, silent auction packages and more time to talk with celebrity athletes. The prestigious Hero Awards were presented to Marklund supporters Larry and Renie Norkiewicz of Arlington Heights and Kate Harris of Inverness. Established in 2003, the Hero Award is given annually to individuals who, for many years, have supported and furthered the Marklund mission with change and enhancements that have gone beyond the status quo in order to improve the lives of the infants, children and adults served. Marklund’s development team nominates candidates, and the final decision rests with the members of the Marklund board of directors.

“We are very proud of Kate, Renie and Larry and have named them officially as our ‘heroes,’” said Joel Rusco, president and CEO of Marklund. “The funds raised from this outing are vital to supporting Marklund’s services. We are indebted to all who participated in the 2010 golf outing and the volunteers and sponsors who donate their time, talent and dollars. We could not do it without everyone’s wonderful support.”

The live auction had packages such as a Napa Valley wine country experience, a world-class driving experience, a Jimmy Kimmel Live experience, a Lake Michigan sailing adventure for a party of six, Cubs/Sox premium tickets, an Ultimate Blackhawks Package, and vacation stays in Clearwater Beach, Mexico, Hawaii, and Hilton Head Island.

“The Marklund Golf Classic was also made possible by the many participants, donors, volunteers, hole sponsors and celebrities,” said Tracy Beattie, director of the outing. “Marklund is so grateful for everyone who helped make this year’s event a success.”

For more information, contact Vicki Krystof, Marklund’s communications manager at 630-593-5482 or visit: http://www.marklundgolfclassic.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 is not-for-profit.

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.marklundgolfclassic.com

Crafters and vendors sought for Marklund’s 2010 Spring Craft Fair

Calling all crafters and vendors! Marklund’s 2010 Spring Craft Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at the Marklund Hyde Center, 1 South 450 Wyatt Dr. Geneva. All types of crafters are welcome to apply for booth space and to join the fun. There will be many crafters selling their handmade items as well as unique gifts from food and cosmetic vendors. In addition, there will be a Marklund booth featuring items handcrafted by Marklund’s developmental training clients.

Proceeds of the Spring Craft Fair go to Marklund, an organization that provides compassionate care for infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.

“Our craft fairs are so popular with the public,” said Vicki Krystof, director of development at Marklund, “It’s the perfect time to purchase something meaningful for Mother’s Day, the perfect one-of-a-kind surprise for the graduating student, and even gifts for upcoming summer weddings.”

A 6’x8’ space is available for $35. A table and electricity each cost $5 extra. Set-up times are 4 – 6 p.m. Friday, April 30 and from 7 – 9 a.m. the day of the craft fair, May 1. Also, crafters agree to donate one item valued at $5 or more to Marklund for a raffle to be held during the Spring Craft Fair.

Space is limited; crafters and vendors are encouraged to reserve their spots without delay. For more information, call Peggy Szarzynski at 630-593-5475 or pszarzynski@marklund.org or download the application form.

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 is not-for-profit.

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 therapist releases first album and donates proceeds to Marklund

Music and Marklund. To Wes Kochan, they go together. A new album from Hurricane Warning Records, Inc. by the band First Star Destiny, was released in Nov., 2009, and its popularity is growing. The brains and talent behind both the record company and the album are Kochan’s. He serves as songwriter, solo artist and producer of the 16-song CD (also available in digital (mp3) format) album titled, “Something for Everyone.”

Kochan describes the music of First Star Destiny as Christian Rock and positive mainstream music with some diversity in approach ranging from rock to classical-flamenco with some electronica-dance influence and a bit of reggae. That’s quite a combination of sounds, but according to a growing fan-base, it works.

Kochan has always been musically inclined, but four years ago, while working as a recreational therapist with the very special residents of Marklund, he began writing songs. Marklund is a not-for-profit network of services that helps infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities reach their highest potential and live as full a life as possible.

“As I wrote the songs, I felt the influence of God leading me in the direction of what turned out to be a unique sound,” Kochan said. “The work is in the genre of Christian Rock, as well as songs that could fit into the secular realm of radio, and all with a positive spirit.”

Equally important to Kochan is his valued relationship with Marklund, where “Miracles are always within reach.” He has enjoyed working as a therapist with the special residents of Marklund since 1997, and a true joy for him is to perform his music for his incredible friends at Marklund, where he still works today. Kochan finds it tremendously gratifying to hear the residents – those who are able – sing along with him. Because of his devotion to Marklund, he is donating a percentage of the proceeds of the album to Marklund.

Also known as “wEs LeE ‘K’”, Kochan handled songwriting, lead and harmony vocals, lead guitar, keyboards-synthesizer, bass, and harmonica. In addition, there are other musicians on the album including session musicians on violin and backup vocals. Now performing in concert, both electronically and acoustically, whether with his solid backup group of musicians or in “one-man-band” style, he loves to perform his music.

When Kochan was a teenager, he started playing a Hawaiian lap steel guitar, however, he didn’t play it with a metal slide as it is meant to be played – he played with his fingers.

“Can you say finger callouses!?” he said. “Eventually I got my first $15 acoustic guitar that was actually meant to be fretted with fingers, and the rest is history. My listeners deserve a fun time of music and they don’t have to cover the kids’ ears for the lyrics! Really, it’s an album with meaning and many catchy grooves and hooks and lyrics for thinkers, seekers, believers and those who have a sense of emotion and a sense of what love is or should be. It has catchy beats and rhythms with something more than your average, everyday, just-make-sure-it-rhymes lyrics. Those who have heard this new release note the lyrical content and appreciate it right along with the sonic quality and catchiness therein.

“In summary, while there are other musicians on the album, it is primarily a solo artist album with a band name,” he said. “Whether playing in concert as a ‘one-man-band’ or with backup musicians, acoustically or electronically, my motto is to ‘bring the music to the people.’ And I love to do just that.”

Links for the First Star Destiny debut album, “Something For Everyone”, to iTunes, CD Baby, and Digstation are posted on www.Myspace.com/firststardestiny or www.Shoutlife.com/starwayrockband

For more information, call Wes Kochan at 630-310-1293 or email him at: wkochan@sbcglobal.net

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 is not-for-profit.

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

The Top Hat Ball raised $425,000 for Marklund

It was quite a colorful sight to see many of Marklund’s guests dressed in “Chinese couture.” More than 500 attendees raised $425,000 for the not-for-profit organization at the Marklund 14^th Annual Top Hat Ball – “Celebrate Chinese New Year,” on Saturday, Feb. 13^th at Navy Pier’s historic Grand Ballroom, Chicago.

Such proceeds will go a long way to 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 included 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 was fine dining with some traditions of the Chinese culture and dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra.

The Top Hat Ball is well known for its lavish live auction items. This year’s auction, chaired by Stacey Alexander of Plainfield and Sue Wick of Lombard, surpassed all others, raising $120,000. The 12-day Asian Seabourn cruise went for $17,000. Other live auction items and their final bids were: tickets to the Grammy Awards – two packages sold at $8,000 each; golfing Ireland’s best courses – two packages sold at $7,000 each; two tickets at the PGA Masters finals – $13,000; winter vacation for four at Steamboat, Colo.- $12,500;  two tickets to the Oprah show – $5,000; Disney World for six over Fourth of July – $8,500 and many more.

In addition, Marklund’s Fund-in-Need auction raised well over $90,000.

A highlight of the annual Top Hat Ball was the presentation of Marklund’s prestigious “Friend of the Year” award. George and Pam Rion of Bloomingdale received one of Marklund’s highest honors for the couple’s 18 years of consistent support and willingness to serve Marklund’s infants, children and adults in ways that will affect their lives significantly, now and in the future.

“We are so pleased for the Rions,” said Jeannine Zupo, director of the Top Hat Ball. “The Rions started volunteering at Marklund by opening gifts as a family with their then small children 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.”

Congratulations are in order to the Top Hat Ball committee: 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

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 Giving Tree drive brings smiles!

Marklund’s Annual 2009 Giving Tree drive was a huge success. Many generous “Santas” made the holidays brighter for the developmentally disabled children and adults served by Marklund. The Giving Tree drive took place at Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Dr., Geneva, and Marklund Philip Center for Children, 164 S. Prairie, Bloomingdale.

This year, many donors chose to purchase gift cards that provide Marklund residents with extra spending money to use on community outings.

“Marklund is thankful for the outpouring of support from this year’s donors,” said Vicki Krystof, director of development for Marklund. “This holiday at Marklund was full of excitement and a lot of love, thanks to our generous donors.”

For 24 years, the Giving Tree program has allowed Marklund residents to receive special holiday gifts from generous donors such as companies, clubs, churches, schools, and individuals.

How it works: Marklund residents submit wish lists with items ranging from winter coats to classical music CDs to gift cards (The residents go on an outing to spend their gift cards.) Giving Tree cards are created for each resident with a brief bio and three gift suggestions. Donors take a card and purchase one or more of the resident’s wish items and return them, festively wrapped, to Marklund.

On Christmas Eve day, more than 100 Marklund volunteers and staff members gathered to help residents open their gifts. It was indeed a very happy holiday.

For more information about the Giving Tree, contact Cathy Nikrandt at cnikrandt@marklund.org or 630-593-5468 or go to: http://www.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 is not-for-profit.

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/

Aurora students bring arts, crafts and holiday cheer to residents of Marklund

Aurora’s Annunciation School has been sending 8^th-graders to Marklund at holiday time for many, many years. This year, 30 8^th-graders will brighten the holidays for the residents of Marklund by having an arts and crafts session from 1 – 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in the multipurpose room at Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Dr., Geneva.

The craft session is modified creatively for Marklund’s clients to provide maximum participation. Marklund is a network of programs and services that benefit the lives of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities

“We so enjoy coming to Marklund each year,” said Karen Wollwert, principal of Annunciation School. “Our students learn that volunteering builds connections. Many of them, including family members, continue to volunteer at Marklund throughout high school.”

“This visit brings the holiday spirit and infinite smiles to our clients as well as the students,” said Vicki Krystof, communications manager at Marklund.

For more information, call Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.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/

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