Marklund's Top Hat event breaks all past fundraising records

Marklund's 21st annual Top Hat Ball fundraising event, "The Gatsby Ball" on Feb. 14, broke all past fundraising records for the nonprofit organization by netting $646,700, officials announced in a news release.

The Top Hat event is the largest fundraiser of the year for Marklund, a nonprofit that serves children and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities at campuses in Geneva, Elgin and Bloomingdale, the release stated.

The Top Hat event was held at the Chicago Marriott Downtown, and the net proceeds from the Top Hat Ball have steadily grown over the past five years, since recording $338,700 in 2013, the release stated.

Nearly 600 guests participated in the Roaring '20s-themed fundraiser, with one of the highlights being a dollar-for-dollar match offer – up to $100,000 – which was made by an anonymous donor during the live auction portion of the evening, the release stated.

The annual fundraiser helps bridge the funding gap between what it costs Marklund to care for its 174 residential clients and the $17,000 per person funding provided by the state, the release stated.

“The generosity of those in attendance at this event year after year continues to amaze us,” Gil Fonger, president and CEO of Marklund stated in the release. “We are thankful and humbled that they choose to support our mission of making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities.”

Bud and Binna Porter of St. Charles presided over the evening’s program as co-chairmen of the event.

“What a true honor it is to be chairing Marklund’s Top Hat Ball for the second year in a row,” Bud Porter stated in the release. “This organization has grown so near and dear to our hearts, and we are humbled to serve in this capacity. Each year we leave this event in amazement at the selfless giving and support of so many loyal donors — each person, truly impacting our community in big and bold ways.”