Illinois Contractor Walks 2,200 Miles for Charity

In May 2007, Jim Armbruster, president and CEO of BAC signatory contractor ATMI Precast of Aurora, Illinois, began his six-month journey walking across the United States to raise funds for the Marklund home, a 24-hour facility that provides quality, compassionate care for people with disabilities. Armbruster, 60, raised roughly $135,000 during his “California or Bust for Marklund’s Kids” campaign.

Beginning on May 6, 2007 in Aurora, Armbruster first traveled south through Missouri, and then headed west through Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and finally into California. Following a two-mile walk across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, he achieved his goal on October 6th.

Armbruster’s friend, Vic Robertson, traveled with him, serving as a guide and driving a motor coach that Armbruster slept in each night. While Armbruster was averaging 16-20 miles per day, five days a week, Robertson would drive up to 60 miles daily to organize events in the next town.

During his trip, Armbruster stopped in towns along the way, discussing with residents the issues that disabled individuals face. He challenged each new town to pledge more money than the one before. People were asked to donate at www.californiaorbustformarklundskids.org and with Armbruster personally covering all his expenses, each charitable donation went directly to Marklund.

Armbruster serves as a vice president on the board of directors for the facility, and his son Nathan is a resident.