Marklund Casino Night and Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament September 25, 2010

Guests are advised to practice their poker faces for a chance to win a brand new Lexus, because that’s the grand prize at the 3rd Annual Casino Night and Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament to benefit Marklund. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at McGrath Lexus of Chicago, 1250 W. Division St., Chicago. The event is open to the public.

More than $30,000 in total prizes will be awarded at this exciting tournament. Proceeds benefit Marklund, a not-for-profit organization that provides compassionate care to infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.

Event schedule:

6:30 p.m. - Registration, casino opens, cocktails, and hors d‘oeuvres
7:30 p.m. - Poker begins
8:30 p.m. - Poker break and announcements
11:15 p.m. - Casino closed
11:30 p.m. - Raffle drawing and poker final table

First prize is a two or three-year lease (depending on what model is selected) on a new Lexus. The second place winner will receive a substantial buy-in of $3,000 to the World Series of Poker circuit event at the Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, IN. The third prize winner will receive $2,000, to the same venue. In addition, the final table of ten will all win generous prizes.

The Casino Night poker buy-in is $150; and prices go up to $195 as of Sept. 20, 2010. The buy-in includes appetizers and open bar as well as one complimentary Casino Only Entry for a guest. “Casino-only” entry is $75 and includes appetizers, open bar, chips to play Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette, all for amazing prizes.

“We are hoping the event will be a Royal Flush for Marklund, and everyone is invited,” said Vicki Krystof, director of development for Marklund. “Every hand played by our guests will raise funds and directly impact the lives of our clients.”

The Casino Night committee includes Brad Akers, Annie Beckler, Diana Book, Greg Keller, Frank Rende, Chris Rion, Matt Schuman, Melissa Majeski, Jeffrey Sons, Dorothy Svedman and Mario Ventrella.

Sponsorships are available starting at $500 and include promotion on the Marklund website, advertising in Marklund event programs, signage, and logo display on AV presentations during the event. To become a sponsor, call 312-450-8918.

For tournament rules, more information, prize details or to register, call 312-450-8918 or go to: http://www.marklundcasinonight.com.

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare 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 vision: Rising above limitations. Marklund is not-for-profit.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., 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, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 - 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org.

Official Website: http://www.marklundcasinonight.com/