Marklund announces new CEO – Gil Fonger to lead nonprofit organization

Beginning Feb. 21, Gilbert Fonger of Gurnee assumes the leadership role as president and chief executive officer of Marklund. As CEO, he is responsible for the leadership and management of the organization.

“We’re very excited about Gil joining the Marklund family,” said Karen Golden, member of Marklund board of directors, “and we look forward to experiencing his vision as it shapes Marklund’s future.”

For the past 20 years, Fonger has served in a number of positions in the nonprofit field. He was the chief development officer at Little City Foundation in Palatine at which he oversaw all fundraising, marketing, communications and business development. Prior to Little City he held various positions with the YMCA of Metro Chicago and served as a pastor. Before entering the nonprofit field, he served as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Fonger earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern in 2006. He also holds a master’s degree from Duke University and an undergraduate degree from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

He and his wife Paula have a daughter, Jacquelyn, with special needs, and a son, Kyle, who is in college.

For more information, call Vicki Krystof, director of development, 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 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/.

Tom & Eddie’s hosts a grand opening celebration

Tom & Eddie’s Geneva location will have its grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Shops at Geneva Commons, 1042 Commons Dr., Geneva, IL. 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.

In celebration of the grand opening, guests will receive more than a week’s worth of special promotions. It’s Tom & Eddie’s way of welcoming the public and saying, “See if you agree with us. We serve a terrific burger.”

The theme of the grand opening is “Dressed to the Nines.” Why nine? There are nine signature burgers on the menu. Just for fun and to go along with the theme, any guest who is “dressed to the nines” in formal wear (a tuxedo or evening gown) will receive a free meal (entree, side and soft drink). Business wear is not eligible. This “formal wear freebie” is for the first nine days of celebration – from Saturday, Jan. 29 through Sunday, Feb.6.

Co-founders, Tom Dentice and Ed Rensi, believe in commitment to the community, so 10 percent of net sales from the grand opening nine days will go to support education in the tri-cities area. Specifically, the not-for-profit beneficiaries are the Geneva Academic Foundation and the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence.

In addition, 81 lucky people will win a weekly burger meal (entrée, side and soft drink) for one year. Every day of “Dressed to the Nines”, nine names will be drawn to win a free weekly burger meal for one year.

But back to burgers…Tom and Ed agree that a world-class burger starts with the meat: hand-formed patties of Fresh 100% Natural Angus. “Natural” means the cattle were raised without growth hormones or antibiotics and fed a vegetarian diet. Very important, the beef is “Certified Humane,” by the Humane Farm Animal Care, a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization created to improve the lives of farm animals by setting rigorous standards, conducting annual inspections, and certifying their humane treatment.

Tom & Eddie’s buys from very select companies, many of which use organic and natural ingredients: Boylan’s all natural sodas, Turano Bread Company, Puckered Pickles, Heinz organic ketchup, Mustard Girl Mustards, and Redmond Natural Sea Salt.

The restaurant has a warm and inviting look and feel. Orders are placed at the counter, cooked in an open view kitchen and delivered with a smile to the table. Other features include a customer loyalty club, a kids’ menu, free Wi-Fi, carry-out with biodegradable packaging, and online ordering.

Both Tom and Ed have a ton of energy and an equal amount of food creativity. They spent more than a year developing recipes and searching for organic and natural ingredients. Cheeseburgers and sandwiches are paired perfectly with many choices of freshly-made sides. The menu also features a line-up of chicken sandwiches, soups, crisp salads and a bountiful selection of beer and wine.

Beyond the ambiance and food, the two things that Tom and Ed believe in are integrity and commitment to community.

“You can have the best food in the world,” Ed said, “but if you don’t have happy, satisfied customers, you can’t have a successful business. We welcome any and all feedback and suggestions from our guests.”

For more information, call 630-208-1351 or visit http://www.tomandeddies.com.

Find the Tom & Eddie’s Caddy in the Fox Valley

Tom & Eddie’s, a gourmet burger restaurant, is coming to the Fox Valley in December at The Shops at Geneva Commons, 1042 Commons Drive, Geneva.

Leading up to the Grand Opening, the Tom & Eddie’s Cadillac will be stopping at various Fox Valley locations throughout the day. The driver or special guest celebrity will be giving out Tom & Eddie’s freebies. The Caddy will be making stops daily in Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, West Chicago, Elgin, Aurora and surrounding areas. Hints on the location of the Caddy will be posted on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TomandEddies and Twitter http://twitter.com/TomandEddies.

For even bigger prizes, keep checking in with Tom & Eddie’s Facebook page and Twitter account for special passwords. Find founders Tom or Ed in the Caddy and be the first person to give the password and win free meals at Tom & Eddie’s for a year!

For more information about Tom & Eddie’s visit http://www.tomandeddies.com or call 630-208-1351.

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.

Commons Crawl – ‘Taste of the Tropics’ benefits Marklund

July 19, 2010
6:00 pm	to	8:00 pm
7:00 pm

By enjoying tropical drinks and great food on a warm summer night, Fox Valley residents can help the infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities who are served by Marklund.

Marklund at Mill Creek is the beneficiary of the July “Commons Crawl,” hosted by the Geneva Commons. “Taste of the Tropics” takes place from 6 – 8 p.m. Monday, July 19, at the shopping center located at 602 Commons Dr., Geneva, IL.

Each month the Commons Crawl changes themes and benefits a different local charity. It takes place on the third Monday of the month from May through September. With tickets, patrons get goody bags as well as food and drink samplings from the Commons’ restaurants – California Pizza Kitchen, Claddagh Irish Pub and Houlihan’s.

Patrons will pick up their tickets, wrist bands and goody bags on the night of the crawl at Houlihan’s and then go on their way to enjoy the crawl.

“This event is a ton of fun,” said Vicki Krystof, director of development for Marklund. “I went to the May Commons Crawl and had a blast. You definitely get a lot for the money.”

Tickets to the event are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. A maximum of 300 tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis, so participants are urged to purchase early.

For tickets, stop by the mall office or call 630-262-0044. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

For more information on Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 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.

Marklund’s 2010 Spring Craft Fair

May 1, 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 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 will be 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 benefit 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.”

Also, crafters are donating one item for a raffle to be held during the Spring Craft Fair.

For more information, call Peggy Szarzynski at 630-593-5475 or pszarzynski@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

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

Community Winter Market: Holiday Festival

The Community Winter Market, sponsored by the Geneva Green Market, NFP will be hosting a winter Holiday Market Saturday, December 19th from 9-2pm. At the CWM you’ll find local ingredients for your holiday meal needs. Apples, beets, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions, potatoes, radishes, stew mix and much more will be available including holiday free range meats from beef, chicken, lamb, poultry and turkeys along with artisan cheeses and stone ground flour pancake and muffin mixes. Fresh baked breads, cookies, pastries, and pies will be available also. From appetizers to desserts you can eat locally all year long with the Community Winter Market. For more information about the happening at the Community Winter Market visit genevagreenmarket.org.

Speaking of local veggies and farming and all things local, Terra Brockman -speaker, food and farm advocate and author will be on hand signing copies of her latest book “The Season’s on Henry’s Farm”. Terra was raised in central Illinois, where four generations of her family have farmed. Terra’s younger brother, Henry, grows 650 varieties of vegetables on about 12 acres (between Peoria and Bloomington). There, he and his family with apprentices have bucked the traditional agribusiness conventional wisdom by farming in a way that’s sensible, sustainable and focused on producing healthy and nutritious food that doesn’t damage the land. The Season’s on Henry’s Farm tells the story of Terra’s family and their life on the farm in the form of a year-long memoir that takes the reader through each season of life on the farm. For more information about Terra Brockman or her book, please visit her website at www.terrabrockman.com

Scentimental Gardens Hosts Autumn Centerpiece Workshop

October 8, 2009
7:00 pm	to	9:00 pm

Scentimental Gardens in Geneva, IL is hosting a workshop!

Come celebrate the abundant harvest of the season with a tabletop arrangement. Your creation can include, dried hydrangeas, leaves and berries, faux floral and fruits. Bring your own container or we have many to choose from. Recommended size of opening, minimum 12″ and Maximum 20″ and garden pruners.

Oct. 8th 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

$42.00/person.

RSVP at 630-232-1303. Space is limited.

Our location is:
Scentimental Gardens
428 W. State Street
Geneva, IL 60134

We look forward to seeing you soon!!