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