Can't afford to see a concert? Volunteer

Want to hear a big name concert in a great location without paying a cent? And be transported in a limousine?

There is a catch - but it's an appealing one.

You have to volunteer at a concession stand and help raise money for Marklund, an agency that serves children and adults with severe disabilities through day programs and through residential care.

Marklund is looking for volunteers, groups or individuals, to work at the concession stand at Northerly Island in Chicago (formerly Miegs Field) during concerts there at the Charter One Pavilion. The concession company, Beyond Events, will donate a portion of its healthy sales to Marklund.

St. Charles residents Rob Rosengarten and his wife, Lori, recently volunteered at a John Mellencamp concert.

"We had a really good time," Rosengarten said. He served beverages while his wife ran the register, working for about three or four hours. "One of the best things about it was we didn't have to drive. We went with a group of about 10 in a limousine that left from the Marklund campus in Geneva."

Volunteers are needed to work at a Jill Scott concert Friday and a concert by the Scorpions on Sunday.

Volunteers can also see Marc Anthony with Alejandro Fernandez on Aug. 19, Music Builds Tour featuring Third Day and Switchfoot Aug. 23, and the Allman Brothers Band and Bob Weir and Rat Dog Aug. 28. There may also be opportunities in September.

Volunteers must be at least 16; only those who are 21 or older will work the cash registers or serve alcohol.

According to Stevie Armbruster of Marklund's development department, the partnership raised $9,000 for Marklund in 2007. Nearly $15,000 has already been raised this year and Armbruster expects the total may reach $25,000.

"We had trouble getting volunteers last year so we outsourced the work and that cost us part of the proceeds," Armbruster said. "This year we started recruiting in February. We have more knowledge now about making it work better."

To volunteer, contact Armbruster at (630) 593-5473 or sarmbruster@marklund.org.