Viking Travel owners named Marklund's 2021 Friend of the Year
Peg and John Haskins, owners of Viking Travel Service in Westmont and Naperville, are Marklund's 2021 Friend of the Year.
Marklund, a west suburban nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with profound developmental disabilities, honored the couple at its recent Top Hat Ball virtual fundraising event.
The Haskins, who reside in Lombard, initially connected with Marklund in 1997 when they supported the first "Top Hat Ball" with a cruise donation.
"Over the years, Peg and John have truly become champions to the cause by not only their continued in-kind and financial contributions, but by introducing countless travel partners to Marklund who have donated to our auctions," said Gil Fonger, president and CEO of Marklund, during the livestreamed award presentation.
"The Haskins combined personal and corporate giving spans almost 24 years, making Viking Travel one of our strongest Corporate Partners," Fonger said.
"This is truly a great honor to be selected as Marklund's Friend of the Year - what an awesome, awesome honor, and so unexpected," said Peg. "It has always been a personal goal of ours to give back as much as we can as individuals as well as on a company basis."
John agreed, noting that he first got involved with Marklund "way back when" when he was invited to visit Marklund's Bloomingdale location. "After touring Marklund, I don't know how you cannot become involved to support not only the staff but also the residents."
Dating back to 1979, Marklund has honored a "Friend of the Year" at an annual event.
Each "Friend," whether an individual, couple, or group, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to Marklund's mission.
Founded in 1954, Marklund provides residential, therapeutic and day services to 174 residents and 14 community clients, and specialized education to more than 70 students with multiple medical conditions and those on the autism spectrum.
Marklund has locations in Bloomingdale, Elgin and Geneva.
For information, visit www.marklund.org.
Follow www.facebook.com/MarklundCharity or twitter.com/MarklundCharity.