Angel Songs Soiree nets $112,000 in support of Marklund clients

Thanks to the generosity of more than 220 guests who attended the "Angel Songs Soiree" fundraising event, Marklund netted $112,000 in support of children and adults with profound developmental disabilities. A nonprofit organization with campuses in Geneva, Elgin and Bloomingdale, Marklund currently serves 174 residential clients.

The "Angel Songs Soiree" took place on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills, a unique venue and the private home of the Sanfilippo family, makers of Fisher Nuts. The estate is filled with impressive collections of restored antiques, including music machines, arcade and gambling machines, art glass, pipe organ, street and tower clocks, and steam engines, as well as a fully-operative French carousel that guests were able to ride at the end of the evening.

The event included a strolling supper, plated dessert and edible centerpieces presented by lead sponsor Guittard Chocolate Company, a silent auction filled with various works of art, as well as a live auction conducted by the famous Austin, Texas "Cowboy Auctioneer," their first debut in the Chicago market. The auction featured an original painting by the world-famous artist Elliott From of Artbeat Live, exotic vacation packages, a winery experience, an opportunity to send Marklund clients to a Chicago Blackhawks game, and artwork created by Marklund clients.

Prints of Elliot's original painting are still available for sale by visiting goo.gl/RtDA5U, with proceeds to benefit Marklund.

Marklund also honored the Elgin Area Organization of Motorcycle Riders as the Angel Awards recipients, for their dedication and ongoing support as hosts of the annual "Little Angels Pledge Run." Established in 1988 with 100 participants and raising $9,000, now 30 years later, this annual Pledge Run has grown to over 2,000 participants and raising over $4 million to date.

"Marklund's Development Team was thrilled to have had the opportunity to work on this already successful event," said Jeannine Zupo, signature events director. "The Sanfilippo Foundation and family have been a tremendous blessing to us, and gracious hosts - what a spectacular venue and backdrop they gave us to host such a memorable event for Marklund. We look forward to growing Angel Songs in the years to come and making it another signature event that allows Marklund to be among the elite in fundraising events in the Chicago area. We appreciate all those who sponsored, raised paddles, purchased tickets and supported our soiree!"

Sponsors included Mike and Carol Donahue, Cobra Concrete, Fisher Nuts, Guittard Chocolate Company, CH Distillery, and CD Peacock.

For information on upcoming Marklund events, visit www.marklund.org.