Golf Outing Scores Nearly $140,000 for Marklund

Thanks to a pleasant day supplied by Mother Nature and the generous spirit of nearly 300 individuals, more than $137,000 in net proceeds was raised in support of Marklund at the 30th annual Marklund Golf and Spa Classic. Held Monday, May 21st, at the Hilton Chicago - Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, 204 golfers, including around 25 celebrity golfers, took part in the 18-hole challenge, as well as the dinner auction that followed.

With more than $12,000 in donations raised during a Fund-in-Need portion of the event, and over $38,000 in live and silent auction proceeds, this year’s event saw a 24-percent increase over last year's totals.

Porter Pipe & Supply Company of Addison served as the Presenting Sponsor for the event, with owners and brothers Jim and Bud Porter taking on the roles of event chair and emcee, respectively.

"What a great success for Marklund and all of its residents,” said Jim Porter. This is the way an event should be run. This year’s committee did a fantastic job."

During the dinner, guests acknowledged four Marklund clients who, like the golf classic itself, turned 30 this year. The clients, all in attendance, were treated to balloons, birthday cupcakes and a rousing rendition of the Happy Birthday song.

In addition, Mr. John Brust, president and CEO of Brust Funeral Home Ltd. in Lombard and Brust Villa Park Funeral Home, received Marklund's Hero of the Year award in appreciation of the many funeral arrangement services provided free of charge over the years to Marklund families and clients in need. Humbled by the gesture, Brust noted that he has chosen to support Marklund because of the way its staff provides specialized care each day for children who truly need it.

“As long as my family is in this business, we will support this organization in any way we can,” he said.

Included on the roster of celebrity golfers at this year's event were former professional athletes such as: jockey Eddie Arroyo; Chicago Cubs players Rich Nye, Paul Popovich, Gene Hiser, Billy Williams and Bill Campbell (who also played with the Red Sox); Chicago White Sox players Donn Pall, Eric Soderholm, Bill Pierce, Jack Perconte (also with Dodgers) and Al Weis (who won the World Series with the New York Mets); Chicago Bears players Bob Avellini, Ronnie Bull, Bob Parsons and Robin Earl; and New York Mets players Buzz Capra (who also played with the Braves) and Bob Miller (who started with the Detroit Tigers). Also golfing at the outing were retired pros Reggie Smith and Ted Hendricks from the Oakland Raiders, Mike Torrez from the Red Sox and Cardinals, Bill Leagans of the LA Rams, Hall of Fame Soccer player Willy Roy, and AFL semi pro Bob Maynard.

“We are very appreciative to these former professional athletes and all the golfers who took time out of their schedule to support this special event,” said Gilbert Fonger, Marklund president and CEO. “At Marklund, we make everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities. We could not do it without the support of the many donors and volunteers who believe in our mission.”

Other event sponsors included: RAM Mechanical Services, Hilton Chicago-Indian Lakes Resort, Architectural Resources and Technology, InfoTrack, Medline, Anvil International, Bob Korvas Agency Inc., Great Lakes Copper Inc., The Mutual Fund Store, BMO Harris Bank, and Stumm Insurance. In-kind Sponsors included: The Irving Press, Chris Guillen Photography, Jamesons, Venuti’s, DeMarco’s,  BallyDoyle’s; HSBC, 5- hour Energy; Pepsi, City Beverage and Anheuser-Busch.

Marklund is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served by Marklund 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 annually serves nearly 200 families throughout the greater Chicagoland area. It has locations in Geneva and Bloomingdale, as well as a resale shop in Wood Dale.

For information, visit its website at www.Marklund.org.