For Immediate Release
May 7, 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, 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 public is invited.

All funds raised are in support of the programs and services Marklund provides for infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.

The stars come out and lend support

Every year the Marklund Golf Classic attracts many Chicagoland sports celebrities, all of whom support Marklund. The following celebrities will play golf:

• Eddie Arroyo, Horse Racing Hall of Fame
• Bob Avellini, Chicago Bears
• Ronnie Bull, Chicago Bears
• Bill Campbell, Chicago Cubs
• Buzz Capra, New York Mets
• Robin Earl, Chicago Bears
• Billy Gardner, Chicago Blackhawks
• Ted Hendricks, Football Hall of Fame
• Gene Hiser, Chicago Cubs
• Randy Hundley, Top 100 Cubs of all time
• John Jouota, Chicago Bears
• Billy Leagans, Los Angeles Rams
• Bill Maddock, Chicago Cubs
• Bob Miller, Baseball Hall of Fame
• Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks
• Emery Moorehead – Chicago Bears
• Rich Nye, Chicago Cubs
• Bob Parsons, Chicago Bears
• Dan Pasque, Chicago White Sox
• Jack Perconte, ChicagoWhite Sox
• Bill Pierce, Chicago White Sox
• Paul Popovich, Chicago Cubs
• Willy Roy, Chicago Bears
• Eric Soderholm, Chicago White Sox
• Tim Tyrell, NFL
• Al Weis, Chicago White Sox
• Bill Wennington, Chicago Bulls
• Bob Will, Chicago Cubs

Going once, going twice

The annual golf outing is known for outstanding items and trips to be auctioned at the banquet. To name a few:

• Napa Valley wine country experience featuring chauffeur, wine train, and five night stay at the Marriott Napa Valley + airfare for two
• Jimmy Kimmel Live experience including the VIP Green Room, a three-night stay, and airfare for two
• Six-hour private sail on Lake Michigan for a party of six on a 36 ft. sailboat with a captain and crew
• Blackhawks – two tickets and a Zamboni ride, plus signed sticks from Patrick Kane, Marion Hossa, and Cristobal Huet
• Skybox tickets on June 25 for a Cubs/Sox game
• Racetrack day with a top GT 1 Class professional driver at Autobahn CC in Joliet
• Vacations - Hilton Head, Mexico, Hawaii
• and many more…

“We are thrilled to announce just a few of the live auction items,” said Tracy Beattie, director of the golf outing.

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. He is a graduate of the Missouri Auction School which is considered to be one of the best in the country.

For the third consecutive year, George Webster, president of RAM Mechanical is chairing the golf outing. 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; InfoTrack; Irving Press; and The Mutual Fund Store.

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.”

The Marklund Golf Classic costs $550 per golfer. Foursome sponsorships range from $2,200 to $3,000. 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.

###

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 28^th 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.

###

For Immediate Release
April 29, 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 announces the recipients of the annual Hero Awards – Larry and Renie Norkiewicz of Arlington Heights and Kate Harris of Inverness. The awards will be presented at a special ceremony at the banquet of the 28^th Annual Marklund Golf Classic held Tuesday, May 25, at the Chicago Hilton Indian Lakes Resort, 250 W. Schick Rd., Bloomingdale.

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.

Additionally, 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, visit: http://www.marklundgolfclassic.com

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 11, 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

An educational wine tasting and travel event will take place from 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Wine and Vine, 105 S. York, Elmhurst. Hors d’oeuvres will be served, and the public is warmly welcome.

Chrysan Mutchler, district sales manager from Viking River Cruises, will provide information about European river travel on the wine routes, and Maggie Moran-Holyn, central regional sales director from Silverseas Cruise Line, will talk about the cruising into the wine ports of Europe on one of its small luxury ships. Select wines will enhance the featured countries.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Marklund and its network of services that provides compassionate care of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.

The event is sponsored by Viking Travel Service in Westmont and Wine and Vine in Elmhurst. Laura Lukasik of Viking Travel is spearheading the unique event.

“Anyone who likes fine wine and enjoys small ship or river cruising will have a great time at the event,” Lukasik said. “And we try to give back and support Marklund whenever we can.”

Tickets are $20 before Feb. 26; $25 from Feb. 27 and at the door. For more information about the event, call Laura Lukasik at 630-321-1664.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or go to: http://www.marklund.org.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 11, 2009
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

Happy New Year – make a resolution to sleep better and while doing so, help Marklund

New Year’s Eve is coming. People will start 2010 with a new diet and a new gym membership, so why not a new mattress? American Mattress is giving a holiday gift to Marklund. All Marklund employees, families, friends and the public will receive a 15 percent discount on any mattress (excluding Tempur-Pedic), headboard, daybed, bunk bed or futon from American Mattress. In addition, the company will donate 5 percent of sales back to Marklund, a not-for-profit dedicated to enriching the lives of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.

“We appreciate American Mattress’s kind gesture,” said Vicki Krystof, communications manager for Marklund. “Everyone needs a new mattress every now and then, so why not start the year off right? If such a purchase is made, everyone wins, knowing that the mattress buyer is supporting our mission and all of the children and adults we serve.” 

Mike Kenna and Frank DeMaio, co-owners of American Mattress, will extend this opportunity from now through Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. American Mattress was founded in 1988 with a mission to create customers for life, and after 21 years, there are 80 stores. Kenna and DeMaio are committed to community partnering, and for 2009, they have selected Marklund.
To take advantage of this opportunity, purchasers must have a coupon which is available here.  For more information, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482.

###