Bloomingdale residents George and Pam Rion
receive Marklund’s Friend of the Year award at Top Hat Ball
A highlight of Marklund’s annual Top Hat Ball is the presentation of the prestigious “Friend of the Year” award. This year, the honor goes to a couple – George and Pam Rion of Bloomingdale.
Marklund will host its 14th Annual Top Hat Ball – “Celebrating Chinese New Year,” at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at Navy Pier’s historic Grand Ballroom, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Proceeds will benefit the infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities who are served by Marklund.
The Marklund Friend of the Year must demonstrate in his/her own way, publicly or privately, a heart of gold and the willingness to serve Marklund’s infants, children and adults in ways that will affect their lives significantly, now and in the future. The Rions certainly qualify. They have been involved with Marklund since 1992.
George has served in leadership capacities as the chair of the Marklund Golf Outing and as member of the former Development Council. For many years, Pam Rion served as member of the DuPage County Board, and she was instrumental in working with Marklund leadership to ensure the not-for-profit was meeting the needs of families in DuPage County. By aligning Marklund’s goals with DuPage County goals, Marklund received county funding, both Community Development Block Grants and Human Services Grants.
In addition, Pam was crucial in assisting Marklund with the process of securing the Certificate of Need for the last two 16-bed homes on the Mill Creek Campus. In fact, she was (and remains) an advocate for Marklund throughout DuPage County, raising awareness of Marklund programs and services. She retired from the DuPage County Board in 2008.
“The Rions have Marklund in their blood,” said Jeannine Zupo, director of the Top Hat Ball. “Not only have they been instrumental in helping Marklund grow and succeed, but their son, Chris, has become more involved on a volunteer level over the years, which truly shows the special place Marklund has in the Rion family’s heart. There is no better legacy to leave your children than teaching them to use their God-given talents and gifts to give back to the community.”
Through their companies, G.R. Grading, Belair Excavating and American Grading (currently operated by Chris), Pam and George have been consistent event sponsors and supporters of Marklund’s capital campaigns with gifts totaling over $130,000 since 1992.
For more information about the Top Hat Ball, call Jeannine Zupo at 630-624-9874 or email to: jzupo@marklund.org.
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Press Contact: Andy Richardson, GR-PR
630-789-8899 or arichardson@gr-pr.com
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