Marklund honors Wheaton woman’s dedication with Volunteer of the Year award

Some volunteers make an impact by showing up. Others make an impact by stepping in wherever they are needed. And then there are those rare individuals who do both — consistently, selflessly, and with so much heart that their presence can be felt by everyone around them.

Bette Klein is someone who truly embodies that spirit. The Wheaton resident recently received Marklund’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year honor.

“We were happy to have had the privilege of honoring our incredible volunteers recently at our annual Volunteer Recognition Brunch,” stated Nikki Osterloh, Marklund’s volunteer program manager. As a nonprofit organization in Geneva, Elgin and Bloomingdale, Marklund serves children and adults with profound developmental disabilities. For 71 years, our volunteers have played a vital role supporting the organization’s mission.

In announcing the Volunteer of the Year award at the event, Osterloh noted that Klein first came to Marklund through a connection with a resident’s family, easing into volunteering in a simple way — by attending their weekly baseball games.

“But what started as a small step quickly turned into something so much bigger. Before long, she was not just attending games — she was part of nearly every single one in the season, becoming a familiar, comforting and joyful presence on the field,” she said. “And she didn’t stop there.”

According to Osterloh, Klein volunteers to help take Marklund residents on outings, for its unique formal dances, for the outdoor walking club, helping residents take part in recreational activities in their homes, assists at holiday parties and joins in as a resident buddy for Marklund’s Summer Games at both of their locations in Geneva and Elgin.

She has recently become a Volunteer Ambassador, helping at recruiting events.

“Bette shows up again and again, not because she has to — but because she genuinely wants to be there,” she noted.

“She has brought others along with her, leading a group of her students to work together with a visiting youth group and other regular volunteers on a project that transformed our spaces, repainting benches across our patios and baseball field, making them colorful refreshed.

“She is kind, warm and joyful. She is the kind of person who makes people feel seen, valued and cared for just by being in her presence. Our residents adore her. Our staff appreciates her. And anyone who has had the chance to work alongside her — or even just spend a few moments with her — knows how truly special she is.”

Held at Riverside Banquets in Geneva, the annual recognition event brings together volunteers, staff, residents, family members, and friends from all Marklund facilities.

Other 2025 Volunteer Awards presented at the Recognition event included:

• Group of the Year: Northwestern Medicine’s Team NM

• Future Changemakers Award: Dweny and Diya Geeth of South Elgin

• Special Event Volunteer: Karyn Racutt of South Elgin

• Most Volunteer Hours: Evan Clark of Geneva

• Community Partner Award: Elgin Police Department

“Together, all of our exceptional individuals and groups have contributed a more than 15,000 volunteer hours to Marklund 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 marklund.org/volunteer.