Marklund gala raises $425,000
It was quite a sight as the Marklund's guests, many dressed in Hollywood couture, walked the red carpet with paparazzi impersonators and a Joan Rivers look-alike.
More than 500 attendees raised $427,380 for Marklund at the 15th annual Top Hat Ball, with the theme, “Top Hat Ball Goes Hollywood,” held Feb. 12 at Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave.
The night of the event raised most of these critical dollars from the following: the silent and live auction raised $104,000; the raffle raised $28,900 and the annual Fund-in-Need raised $108,450 and counting. Such proceeds will go a long way to benefit Marklund and its compassionate care of infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Chaired by Mike and Carol Donahue of Geneva, the Top Hat Ball included touches of glamour befitting its Hollywood theme. Guests entered the gala with lights and cameras popping. In addition, there was fine dining and dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra.
The Top Hat Ball is known for its lavish live auction items. This year's auction, chaired by Sue Wick of Lombard, surpassed all others. Auctioneer David Goodman of Chicago's Auction Results offered packages that included the “Transformers” movie premiere, a trip and tickets to the PGA Masters, and “A Wine Time in Tuscany” which was purchased by five Geneva couples.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious “Friend of the Year” award. This year, the honor went to a family — Gary, Jean, and Beth Lederer — of St. Charles.
“We are so grateful for the Lederer family,” said Jeannine Zupo, director of the Top Hat Ball. “I'm proud to have them as friends and donors. A part of Marklund since 1991, the Lederers are wonderful examples of what is possible when a family makes a commitment to serve others.”
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 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. For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at (630) 593-5482 or visit marklund.org.