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/

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/

“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/.

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 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

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 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/.

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.

Bud Porter with Marklund Clients

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

The concerts take place at Chicago’s Northerly Island’s (formerly Miegs Field) concert venue, Charter One Pavilion. Marklund will also be providing transportation to and from the concerts as has been done in the past.

Marklund needs volunteers for the following concerts:

• May 15: Bamboozle Festival
• June 5: Styx/Foreigner
• June 29: 311/Offspring
• July 5: Rush
• July 7: Rush
• July 9: OAR
• July 10: OAR
• July 16: Chicago/Doobie Brothers
• July 18: REO Speedwagon
• August 18: Honda Civic Tour
• August 21: Sector 9
• August 28: TBA

“Volunteers have had great experiences while working and enjoying the music,” said Stevie Armbruster, development coordinator for Marklund. “This is a fun way for neighbors, clubs, friends or businesses to connect while volunteering. Just gather a group and give me a call. Individuals can volunteer, too.”

Each volunteer works in the main concession tent, which is close to the stage, serving food and drinks for the concerts, while the concession company, Aramark, will donate a portion of its sales to Marklund. One hundred percent of funds raised go to Marklund’s programs and services directly benefitting the lives of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities. Last summer’s concerts raised an impressive $17,000 for Marklund.

The requirements are as follows:

All volunteers must be 18 years or over. No volunteers under 18 will be permitted.

Any person interested in volunteering must go through TIPS training courses TIPS is

education and training in responsible service, sale and consumption of alcohol. The program is designed to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking.

Taking place at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, TIPS training sessions (Volunteers attend just one session.) are scheduled for the following dates:

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 1
• 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 1
• 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 2
• 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 3
• 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 5

All volunteers who attend TIPS training must pass a written test to receive a TIPS card. TIPS certification is good for three years. Aramark will pay for the training, and Marklund will provide transportation for volunteers to attend the TIPS session of his or her choice.

Aramark will provide shirt uniforms for every volunteer. At the end of each volunteer shift shirts must be returned.

“It is crucial to our fundraising success to get all of volunteers through the TIPS sessions and get them signed up ASAP,” Armbruster said. “Please pass this information along to friends, family and co-workers who may be interested. We are looking forward to working with Aramark as they seem to be very organized and excited to work with us.”

Marklund volunteers will work together operating cash registers and serving food and beverages. Aramark staff will work side-by-side with volunteers. Breaks and dinner will be provided. Volunteers must wear khaki pants (no jeans), rubber soled closed shoes, socks and a white t-shirts. There will be no heavy lifting or extensive clean-up.

If you are interested in signing up for training, email Stevie Armbruster at sarmbruster@marklund.org or call 630-593-5473.

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 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