Marklund names 2008 Hero Award recipients
Marklund presented Glen Ellyn resident George Webster with the 2008 Hero Award during a ceremony at a May 12 banquet following the annual Marklund Golf Classic.
Established in 2003, the Hero Award is given each year to two individuals or groups who have been longtime supporters of Marklund's mission.
Webster, president of RAM Mechanical, has been helping Marklund for 11 years. He became involved with Marklund as its HVAC vendor. Over the years, he became attached to Marklund and the individuals it serves.
"Receiving this award surprised me, and I have to say it's kind of nice, Webster said. "I have been affiliated with Marklund for quite some time, and I help as much for the staff as the clients. Not a lot of people can do what Marklund's staff does, and their dedication is so remarkable. They serve a terrific purpose in this world."
Webster served as the chairman of the Marklund Golf Classic in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
In this leadership role, he provided guidance in planning the event, introduced many of his clients and vendors to Marklund, provided incredible prize packages and solicited tens of thousands of dollars. He also plans to participate on the leadership team for the 2009 Golf Classic.
In addition, Webster takes part in several other Marklund events, including the Top Hat Ball, the former Auxiliary Auction Dinner and September Fest.
Through both corporate and personal giving, Webster's contributions total more than tens of thousands of dollars.
"George has such a big heart for Marklund," Krystof said, "Every single year, he introduces someone new to Marklund, and by doing this, he helps Marklund become better known. Truly, George Webster's contributions to the organization are incalculable."
The other award recipient is Chris Guillen of Forest Park.
The owner of Chris Guillen Photography has been helping Marklund for nine years. He first became aware of Marklund at the second annual Top Hat Ball in 1998, when, at that time, he was working for the photographer covering the gala for Chicago Magazine. Since then, Guillen has become Marklund's primary photographer.His pro bono work has saved Marklund thousands of dollars and given Marklund's marketing pieces a polished, professional look.
Marklund's development team nominates candidates for the Hero Award and then the final decision rests with Marklund's board of directors.
"Both George and Chris have truly enhanced the face of Marklund with their individual talents and skills," Vicki Krystof, communications manager for Marklund, said in a written statement. "Each has come to love our clients, knowing them by name and connecting with families."
Founded in 1954, Marklund's mission is to provide compassionate care for people with disabilities. Marklund's main campus in Geneva includes six residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities, as well as an educational and training center. The Marklund Philip Center for Children in Bloomingdale includes the Children's Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the day school, an education program for children ages 3 to 21 and Marklund's Respite program.