Elburn man named Marklund Volunteer of the Year
Neil Gordon, a resident of Elburn, was named Marklund’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
“We were happy to have had the privilege of honoring our incredible volunteers recently at our annual Volunteer Recognition Brunch,” stated Nikki Osterloh, manager of volunteer engagement at Marklund’s Geneva campus. “For an astounding 70 years, our volunteers have played a vital role supporting our mission, ever since our organization was founded by a very special nurse by the name of Claire Haverkampf.”
In announcing the Volunteer of the Year award at the event, Osterloh noted that Gordon has been volunteering at Marklund for nearly six years and has registered more than 300 volunteer hours. He primarily supports staff weekly on the Marklund Hyde Center campus in Geneva to help take residents on outings but “has done anything and everything … helped with classroom activities, decorating for holidays, volunteering at our holiday parties and baseball games. Last year, he played the music for our Geneva Summer Games and was our Santa Claus for two different events. There’s never been a moment when our residents and staff are around this volunteer that they’re not smiling or laughing.”
In receiving the award, Gordon said “I was very surprised I was chosen as my fellow volunteers are deserving as well.”
“I think the most rewarding part of volunteering at Marklund is the smiles and reactions I get when visiting or going out on an outing,” he added.
Held at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago, the recognition event brought together clients, staff, family, volunteers and friends from all Marklund facilities.
Other 2023 Volunteer Awards presented at the Recognition event included:
• Marklund Hero Award: Karyn and Duane Fitch
• Group of the Year: Batavia High School Psychology Club
• Special Event Volunteer Award: Heather Ravenna
• Inspiration Award: Chad Clarey
• Most Volunteer Hours: Evan Clark
“Together, all of our exceptional individuals and groups have contributed a remarkable 8,625 volunteer hours this year,” Osterloh said! “Their commitment and generosity have made a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.”
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Marklund, visit www.marklund.org/volunteer.