Marklund thankful for patrons, volunteers

Thanksgiving is a unique American holiday that dates back to the Pilgrims in 1621. It is a time when we pause from the challenges that we face daily to reflect on all that we have to be thankful.

There are many things we have to be thankful for at Marklund.

Ÿ A couple of weeks ago we celebrated the retirement of a nurse who has served the clients of Marklund — on the night shift — for 40 years! Agnes was passionate about empowering the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities to help them reach their fullest potential.

Ÿ This past summer a 16-year-old from Michigan toured Marklund as part of the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. He was so touched by what he saw that he decided that he want to do something. So he designed a special T-shirt and sent Marklund more than $600 from the sales.

Ÿ A youth group from North Dakota recently made Marklund a part of their “mystery mission trip” just so they could come and work with those we serve.

I could go on and on about the special people who serve, volunteer and give to Marklund. It reminds me of a quote by Sir Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”

So, from all of us at Marklund, thank you for sharing with us and helping us to fulfill the vision that has driven this organization for almost 60 years: Making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities.

We could not do this work without the help of people like you. God bless you!

Gilbert W. Fonger,

President & CEO

Marklund

Geneva