Top Hat Ball raises $427,000 for Marklund
February 25, 2011 by Andy Richardson
Filed under Announcements
It was quite a sight as the Marklund’s guests, many dressed in Hollywood couture, walked the red carpet with paparazzi impersonators and a Joan Rivers look-alike.
More than 500 attendees raised $427,380 for Marklund at the 15th Annual Top Hat Ball – “Top Hat Ball Goes Hollywood,” held Saturday, Feb. 12th at Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave.
The night of the event raised most of these critical dollars from the following: the silent and live auction raised $104,000; the raffle raised $28,900 and the annual Fund-in-Need raised $108,450 and counting. Such proceeds will go a long way to benefit Marklund and its compassionate care of infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Chaired by Mike and Carol Donahue of Geneva, the Top Hat Ball included touches of glamour befitting its Hollywood theme. Guests entered the gala with lights and cameras popping. In addition, there was fine dining and dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra.
The Top Hat Ball is known for its lavish live auction items. This year’s auction, chaired by Sue Wick of Lombard, surpassed all others. Auctioneer David Goodman of Chicago’s Auction Results offered packages that included the “Transformers” movie premiere, a trip and tickets to the PGA Masters, and “A Wine Time in Tuscany” which was purchased by five Geneva couples.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious “Friend of the Year” award. This year, the honor went to a family – Gary, Jean, and Beth Lederer – of St. Charles.
“We are so grateful for the Lederer family,” said Jeannine Zupo, director of the Top Hat Ball. “I’m proud to have them as friends and donors. A part of Marklund since 1991, the Lederers are wonderful examples of what is possible when a family makes a commitment to serve others.”
Congratulations to the Top Hat Ball committee for a job well done. 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 and Jill Schluntz
For more information, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.tophatball.com/
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/
Tom & Eddie’s donates to local educational charities
February 15, 2011 by Andy Richardson
Filed under Announcements, Education, Restaurants & Night Clubs
L to R: Tom Dentice, co-founder of Tom & Eddie's; Joanne Spitz of BFEE; Deborah Brown, president of the GAF; and Ed Rensi co-founder of Tom & Eddie's
Tom & Eddie’s Geneva is pleased to announce it will donate $4,000 to two local organizations – the Geneva Academic Foundation (GAF) and the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence (BFEE). The funds were raised during the nine day grand opening celebration of the restaurant which is located at the Shops at Geneva Commons, 1042 Commons Dr., Geneva.
“It is a pleasure to support these two important not-for-profit organizations,” said Ed Rensi, co-founder of Tom & Eddie’s. “We are 100 percent behind them and their missions to raise funds that benefit students in the Geneva and Batavia school districts.”
“We are committed to giving back to the communities in which we do business,” said Tom Dentice, co-founder. “As a result, we have chosen to support organizations that focus on youth and education. We are proud to do so.”
Each year, GAF provides grants to pay for supplemental programs, equipment, and educational resources to benefit the students at each school in Geneva. The programs funded are based upon requests by teachers. Also GAF is committed to the long-term success of the Geneva schools. Each year, a portion of the funds collected are allocated to an Endowment Fund that will continue enhancing educational opportunities well into the future.
“We are so pleased at this news,” said Deborah Brown, president of the GAF. “The donation will go into a fund for next year’s grants, and we are most grateful. Tom and Ed can be very proud of everything they do, and their commitment to the community shows. Plus, we’re enjoying their food!”
The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence has been established to provide a long term, self-sustaining financial program to enhance the Batavia Public School system beyond the limits of normal tax support. The foundation provides support for the development of enrichment programs and services which make the critical difference between a very good education and an excellent education.
“It was a total pleasure working with Tom & Eddie’s,” said Joanne Spitz from the BFEE. “We so appreciate the donation. We are working toward a $1 million endowment, and every dollar helps.”
Tom & Eddie’s is a family-friendly, gourmet burger restaurant focused on giving its customers delicious food made from natural products, personal customer service, and a relaxed and happy dining experience. Beyond the ambiance and food, the two things that Tom and Ed believe in are integrity and commitment to community.
For more information, call 630-208-1351 or visit http://www.tomandeddies.com or http://www.facebook.com/TomandEddies.
Fundraiser Planned for Geneva High Graduate
January 3, 2010 by Carl H. Martens
Filed under Announcements
A Geneva High School graduate battling leukemia has the support of her alma mater.
The school’s Key Club is sponsoring a fundraiser at Noodles & Company in Geneva Commons from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday that will benefit Rachel Pinson, 26.
The restaurant will donate 25 percent of each purchase to her when customers say they are there for Rachel. Both dine-in and carry-out customers can participate, club adviser Kristine Toldness said.
Rachel Pinson’s mother, Mary Pinson, said the support her daughter has received is overwhelming and appreciated.
“People have come out of nowhere,” she said.
Rachel Pinson was diagnosed with leukemia in September and began aggressive treatment at the University of Chicago, including a stem cell transplant from her brother Austin, a senior at Geneva High School, her mother said. She noted he didn’t think twice about the donation.
“He gave her the gift of life,” she said.
Rachel Pinson has a master’s degree in exercise science and works as a certified massage therapist at Massage Envy in Geneva Commons, though she is unable to work until she regains her strength, her mother said.
“She has a very positive attitude and believes in the power of prayer,” Mary Pinson said.
Whatever donations are left once Rachel Pinson is in remission will be donated to a leukemia foundation, her mother said.
If you go
What: Fundraiser for Rachel Pinson, Geneva High School graduate diagnosed with leukemia
Where: Noodles & Company in Geneva Commons
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6
More information: www.reachoutforrachel.com
Geneva Rotary “Rock”
January 1, 2010 by David Nelson
Filed under Announcements
Geneva Rotary has a new fundraiser – the Rotary Rock – see the rock now at ‘Citizen Kane’ restaurant in Geneva and enter your guess for a chance to win a cash prize.
Joe Muschong club president elect says, ” We are putting a rock that weighs about 30 pounds on the river ice outside of Mill Race Inn this winter. For $1.00 you guess the day and time that it will fall back through the ice and you win half the pot. Our Geneva Rotary club gets the other half to benefit local charities and international service projects in 2010.”
The “ROCK” is currently at Citizen Kane restaurant in Geneva and entries may be made there. For more information please call Joe Muschong at 630-745-9000 or visit www.genevarotary.org.
Marklund Autumn Motorcycle Run
October 5, 2009 by Andy Richardson
Filed under Community Events
| October 24, 2009 | ||
| 10:30 am |
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, age 18 or older, you are invited on a scenic, colorful ride to raise money for Marklund, a not-for-profit committed to enriching the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual.
The Marklund Motorcycle Run will take place at Saturday, Oct. 24. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., and the run begins at 10:30 a.m. Motorcyclists and passengers will gather at Marklund’s Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Dr., Geneva.
The picturesque course, beginning at Marklund, has stops at:
- Old Starks Tavern, 43W478 IL Rt. 72, Hampshire,
- Hink’s Bar, 123 S. California St., Sycamore,
- Brown Pub, 200 Somonauk Rd., Hinckley, and
- Suzy’s, 4353 Tuma Rd., Yorkville. Free pizza will be served.
“The fall colors will be at their peak,” said Stevie Armbruster, Marklund’s development coordinator. “Anyone who has a motorcycle can have a wonderful ride and, at the same time, raise needed funds for Marklund.”
The event is a traditional poker run. One playing card per bike will be distributed at each stop, and the rider with the best hand at the end of the run will win a prize.
Drivers age 18 and over are welcome to sign up. The registration fee is $15 per rider and $10 per passenger. For more information please contact Stevie Armbruster at 630-593-5473 or at sarmbruster@marklund.org.
