Marklund's 'Top Hat Ball' celebrated 25 years virtually
For 24 years, Marklund, a suburban nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with profound developmental disabilities, has hosted its "Top Hat Ball" as a live, in-person fundraising event in Chicago. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a change in plans, but did not derail its success.
This year's "Top Ball Upside Down" livestreamed gala attracted close to 1,000 viewers - more guests than usually attend live Top Hat events - and netted $770,000, nearly record-breaking numbers.
"Although we hadn't planned on spending our 25th anniversary year 'Upside Down,' I'm extremely grateful for all of the support we received from our community of donors and our staff," said Heather Graves, chief development officer at Marklund.
Graves attributed the large increase in "attendees" to the ability of nonlocal supporters to participate from their out-of-state homes, along with many staff members who viewed the event with the residents from Marklund locations.
The livestreamed event featured entertaining segments from celebrity guests Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg, comedian Pat McGann, and actor Patrick John Flueger (Chicago P.D.).
The Wahlbergs kicked off the event by toasting Marklund, Flueger offered a salute from the TV show's set, while McGann did a live stand-up performance that was Zoomed in with Marklund residents and staff, whose laughter proved they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Registered guests received complimentary access to the livestreamed show from the comfort of their homes or private venue space. Participants joined in live bidding on auction items through apps on their smartphones.
"It was still our 'Top Hat Ball,' but in other people's ballrooms," said Jeannine Zupo, Signature Events director for Marklund. "Although we faced a few technological glitches along the way, our supporters truly stood beside us and made it a night to remember. I am very proud of the hard work everyone put into making this event a true success."
Since 1954, Marklund has been making everyday life possible for children and adults with profound developmental disabilities. Visit www.marklund.org or www.facebook.com/MarklundCharity.