For Immediate Release
April 30, 2010
Contact: Andy Richardson, GR-PR
630-789-8899 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Marklund presents its 28th Annual Golf Classic on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at Hilton Chicago-Indian Lakes Resort, 250 W. Schick Rd., Bloomingdale. Registration begins at 11 a.m.; lunch is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. and the awards banquet takes place at 5:45 p.m.
The Marklund Golf Classic costs $550 per golfer. Foursome sponsorships range from $2,200 to $3,000.
The public is invited, and all funds raised are in support of the programs and services Marklund provides for infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities. The monetary goal at the event is to net $150,000.
“We are thrilled to be hosting our 28th Annual Golf Classic,” said Tracy Beattie, director of the golf outing. “This event gathers more than 200 guests who network, entertain clients, have fun and raise significant dollars to support Marklund’s mission.”
For the third consecutive year, the golf outing has exceptional leadership with Chairmen George Webster, president of RAM Mechanical. Webster’s company sponsors a very popular contest at which all golfers will have the opportunity to win $5,000 in the annual RAM Mechanical Putting Competition from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The title sponsor for the 28th Annual Marklund Golf Classic is Porter Pipe & Supply Company of Addison, and a major sponsor is Hilton Chicago-Indian Lakes Resort. Partner Sponsors include, Ahead, LLC, Architectural Resources & Technologies, Inc., Bob Korvas Insurance Agency, Chuck Sheets and The Mutual Fund Store.
“The support of George Webster of RAM Mechanical Services and Jim Porter of Porter Pipe & Supply have helped us to take this event to the next level,” Beattie said. “Their devotion to Marklund is unparalleled. The money raised at this event allows Marklund the ability to provide a better quality of life for the individuals served."
“I support Marklund, because I trust the quality of care that is being given to the clients every day,” George Webster said. “This is a fine organization and I am proud to participate.”
“Since I toured Marklund several years ago, I have felt compelled to share my time and resources with such an amazing cause,” Jim Porter said. “Marklund is the best at what it does, and you can’t help but feel good about helping such a solid organization and a deeply committed staff.”
Newcomers who want to become involved in a quality charity event with meaning and results are welcome. Such involvement will go a long way toward Marklund's mission to serve its residents and keep performing ‘little miracles’ every day.”
Perks galore
Every year the Marklund Golf Classic attracts many Chicagoland sports celebrities, all of whom support Marklund. More than 25 celebrity invitations have gone out. Past attendees include Bob Avellini, Ronnie Bull, Jose Cardinal, Mike Ditka, Minnie Minoso, Gale Sayers, Al Weis, Bob Will and many more.
In addition to golf, the day’s festivities will include lunch, on-the-course competitions, open bar, multi-course dinner, raffle prizes and a unique live auction of outstanding items such as an unparalleled experience in Napa Valley Wine Country. This auction item features such perks as a chauffeur, wine train, and a Marriott Napa Valley 5-night stay for two and airfare.
Other live auction prizes are a six-hour sail for a party of six on Lake Michigan on a 36 ft. sailboat with a captain and crew member, Cubs/Sox skybox tickets, and vacation stays in Clearwater Beach, Mexico and Hilton Head Island.
The live auction will be conducted by David Goodman, owner of Auction Results in Chicago. He is one of a select number of professional auctioneers who devotes all his time to raising money for charities, as opposed to art, bankruptcy and real estate. He is a graduate of the Missouri Auction School which is considered to be one of the best in the country. He brings even more entertainment to the live auction with his talent for magic.
Marklund’s Heroes
At a special ceremony at the golf outing banquet, Marklund will present the 2010 Hero Awards to Larry and Renie Norkiewicz of Arlington Heights and to Kate Harris of Inverness.
Established in 2003, the Hero Award is given annually to individuals or groups who for many years have tirelessly supported and furthered the Marklund mission with change and enhancement. Hero Award winners have gone beyond the status quo to improve the lives of the infants, children and adults Marklund serves.
Marklund’s development team nominates candidates, and the final decision rests with the members of Marklund’s Board of Directors.
For several years, Kate, Larry and Renie provided key leadership for the Marklund Auxiliary and the Auxiliary Dinner Auction. They oversaw the planning and execution of the large-scale event, and they continued negotiations with the venue. In addition, the threesome worked closely with the development department on fundraising and public relations, solicited donations, and managed the product donations from the International Home and Housewares Show.
“As a testament to Kate, Larry and Renie’s leadership and effectiveness, the Auxiliary Dinner Auction raised close to $70,000 in each of these years while maintaining an incredibly low expense ratio of 20 percent or less - something that the development department strives to do with each special event,” said Vicki Krystof, director of development at Marklund.
These volunteers/parents are very involved in Marklund. They attend special events throughout the year and support the ones they are unable to attend. They provide positive feedback and encouragement and will always lend a helping hand.
In addition to giving time and talent, this year’s award recipients are fiscally generous and supportive as well. Harris makes regular in-kind donations for Marklund events and the Norkiewiczes make annual financial contributions, all of which Marklund is extremely grateful.
“Marklund has never set a standard for what family members should do in support of our mission,” Krystof said, “but these three volunteers demonstrate unparalleled commitment by being engaged in the crucial act of fundraising.”
For more information, call Tracy Beattie at 630-430-5312; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or visit http://www.marklundgolfclassic.com.
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