Marklund's Golf Classic event raises $167,000
On May 25, 230 golfers attended the 28th annual Marklund Golf Classic at Hilton Chicago-Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale. More than $167,000 was raised for Marklund, a nonprofit network of services providing a full-life experience for infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.
The golf event was led by chairman George Webster, president of RAM Mechanical.
"I support Marklund, because I see the passion, dedication and care that each staff member at Marklund provides the severely disabled kids and adults," Webster said, "Few people ever accomplish what they do."
Golfers enjoyed lunch, drinks, massages, a Golden Tee video game contest, premium giveaways, a $5,000 RAM Mechanical Putting Contest and meeting 25 celebrity guests before they hit the course at 12:30 p.m. On the course, participants were entertained with contests, betting holes, a Mai Tai machine donated by Sydney Frank, a bourbon station presented by Heaven Hill Distilleries and two opportunities to win a car at holes sponsored by Zimmerman Ford and Joe Cotton Ford.
All sponsor foursomes were joined by a celebrity including former Cubs, Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, and other sports hall of famers.
The Hero Awards were presented to Marklund supporters Larry and Renie Norkiewicz of Arlington Heights and Kate Harris of Inverness. Established in 2003, the Hero Award is given annually to individuals who, for many years, have supported and furthered the Marklund mission with change and enhancements that have gone beyond the status quo in order to improve the lives of the infants, children and adults served.
"We are very proud of Kate, Renie and Larry and have named them officially as our 'heroes,' " said Joel Rusco, president and CEO of Marklund. "The funds raised from this outing are vital to supporting Marklund's services. We are indebted to all who participated in the 2010 golf outing and the volunteers and sponsors who donate their time, talent and dollars. We could not do it without everyone's wonderful support."
For information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at (630) 593-5482 or visit marklundgolfclassic.com