Think about the feeling of floating in water. Your body feels lighter. Gravity lets go and you can move with a freedom that isn’t always possible on land.
For many of the residents, students, and community clients at Marklund, our warm-water therapy pools offer more than therapeutic benefits. They offer moments of movement, connection, confidence, and independence.
“Some of the people we work with are never free of being handled. We can provide flotation for them and stand by, letting them float and move on their own.”
-Dena Bonnike, Director of Therapy Services.
In the water, barriers disappear. Wheelchairs stay behind, making it possible to meet face-to-face, hold hands, share a smile, or toss a ball back and forth. These simple moments of connection can be difficult to experience anywhere else.
At Marklund, we celebrate victories that may last only a few moments: a relaxed shoulder, a few independent steps, or the wonder of standing or floating freely.
Because of YOU, someone who spends much of the day supported by others can experience a few moments of independence. Someone who rarely meets a friend face-to-face can share a smile. Someone who struggles to move on land can discover freedom in the water.
Your gift today can help make these powerful everyday life moments possible.
What is the Marklund Annual Fund?
The Marklund Annual Fund supports the mission of making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities. While Marklund depends on the dollars received from the State of Illinois, a significant financial gap remains to provide every infant, child, teen and adult with “The Marklund Standard of Care”. That’s where YOU come in! Each contribution helps close the financial gap of approximately $19,574 per resident that is not covered by State of Illinois reimbursements.
Marklund appreciates you! Our organization is built on the support and dedication of all staff, friends and donors. Thank you for being part of the Marklund family!
How can YOU help close the gap?
- Make a one-time donation by completing the information below.
- Sign up to make a monthly donation (CLICK HERE for more information on the Monthly Giving Program)
- Close the gap for one Marklund client and donate $19,574
Did you know some employers will match charitable contributions made by current and former employees, and employees’ spouses?
See if your employer will match your donation today!


Thank you for making everyday life possible for the children and adults living and learning at Marklund.
If you need any assistance with the online gift form, please contact Lauren Spitler, Annual Fund Manager, at (630) 593.5473 or lspitler@marklund.org.
Giving Programs
• Leadership Giving Circle: Become a member by contributing $1,000 or more in cumulative annual giving to Marklund.
• Monthly Giving Program: Recurring monthly donors continue to make everyday life possible – Every. Day. Become an Everyday Supporter by starting your monthly donation today.
• The Marklund Always Society: Secure the future of Marklund now and always through meaningful estate and legacy gift opportunities.
FAQs
- How do I make my gift?
The quickest way is to make a gift securely online. If you are giving by mail, please be sure to write the check out to “Marklund” and mail to 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva, IL, 60134. - What is a Matching Gift?
Corporate Matching Gifts are offered by some employers – you may be able to double or even triple your gift to Marklund! Contact your Human Resources office
to see if your employer matches gifts. - Will my gift be eligible for tax deduction?
Yes. Official receipts of acknowledgement will be issued. - What does my gift fund?
Gifts to Marklund support the Marklund Annual Fund. These unrestricted dollars allow Marklund to meet the organization’s most current and/or urgent needs and are critical to maintaining the exceptional care and programs Marklund is able to provide each and every day. The annual short-fall is $19,574 per resident, per year – Marklund serves 178 residents annually. - Can I designate my gift to a specific program at Marklund?
Yes, you may designate your gift to a specific program or general operations at Marklund Wasmond Center (Elgin), Marklund Hyde Center (Geneva) or at our Marklund Day Schools (Bloomingdale, Elgin, Geneva). - How can you start your recurring monthly donation?
Visit our Monthly Giving Page. We will automatically charge your card on the date you select – the 1st or the 15th of each month. - What are the different ways to give to Marklund?
Click here for more information Ways to Give.







