Cyclists to hit road in benefit for Marklund

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, age 18 or older, you are invited on a scenic, colorful ride to raise money for Marklund, a not-for-profit committed to enriching the lives of those with special health care needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual.

The Marklund Motorcycle Run will be Saturday, Oct. 24. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., and the run begins at 10:30 a.m. Motorcyclists and passengers will gather at Marklund's Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva.

The picturesque course, beginning at Marklund, has stops at: Old Starks Tavern, 43W478 Route 72, Hampshire; Hink's Bar, 123 S. California St., Sycamore; Brown Pub, 200 Somonauk Road, Hinckley; and Suzy's, 4353 Tuma Road, Yorkville. Free pizza will be served.

"The fall colors will be at their peak," said Stevie Armbruster, Marklund's development coordinator. "Anyone who has a motorcycle can have a wonderful ride and, at the same time, raise needed funds for Marklund."

The event is a traditional poker run. One playing card per bike will be distributed at each stop, and the rider with the best hand at the end of the run will win a prize.

Drivers, age 18 and older, are welcome to sign up. The registration fee is $15 per rider and $10 per passenger. For information, contact Stevie Armbruster at (630) 593-5473 or sarmbruster@marklund.org.

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special health care needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served 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's vision: Rising above limitations. Marklund is not-for-profit.

Marklund's main campus in Geneva consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses 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; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund's respite program. For information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at (630) 593-5482 or visit marklund.org.