Recently the PCCF team sat down with Board Chair Carol Hall to learn more about her and the work she is doing with PCCF.
Tell us about your family and where you grew up.
I grew up in Plymouth, Indiana. I was born 9th out of 10 kids and lived in the same house until I went to college. My family is still extremely close, and we gather often—all 100 of us!
What is the best life advice you’ve received?
My dad, who raised ten kids and owned his own business, often said, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” To me, this speaks to the importance of being honest and honoring commitments.
Tell us about your work.
I am proud to serve as the controller for Berglund Construction. We have offices in five states and have done some amazing projectswith many located right here in Porter County, including Journeyman Distillery, Heavilin Elementary School, and Porter County Early Learning Academy, as well as projects at Valparaiso University and Ivy Tech. Fred and Jeff Berglund are the 3rd and 4thgeneration owners and reside in Porter County. They are both passionate about strengthening our community, which aligns with the vision and goals of PCCF.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I play golf and bike. I love to travel and vacation with my family. My three daughters, Ashley, Lorraine, and Kelcey, are all graduates of Valparaiso High School, and I have six—soon to be seven—grandsons.
What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a less than average golfer, but I have two holes in one!
How did you first connect with PCCF?
I learned about PCCF through the owner of Berglund Construction, along with some friends who have previously served on the board.
What motivated you to join the board?
PCCF brings together community members who are committed to making Porter County a better place to live. The Foundation learns what the community’s essential needs are and helps fulfill them thanks to the financial generosity of people just like you and me. I joined the board to be a part of this incredible work.
You’ve been the Board Chair for nearly two years, what has been a highlight of this time for you?
I am proud of the grants we have provided to local organizations, thanks to the generosity of community donors. These nonprofits are doing amazing work right here in Porter County, and PCCF is honored to support them.
In what other ways do local nonprofits benefit from PCCF?
PCCF partners with nonprofits to establish and grow permanent endowment funds that benefit their organizations and our community forever. As a trusted leader in Porter County, the Foundation is able to leverage resources to address complex problems and make lasting improvements.
What do you want people to know about PCCF?
PCCF is a unique organization for our community because it gives people the ability to strengthen many local nonprofits with a single gift. Donors can choose from a variety of ways to give—cash, stock, or a gift through a will, to name a few. Through the power of endowment, donations given today will continue to support organizations in the community forever.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about donating to PCCF?
No matter what you give, your donation will make an impact right here in Porter County. If you’ve thought about supporting the Community Foundation, now is the perfect time to make a gift. PCCF is participating in a unique match opportunity that allows donors to triple their impact. For every dollar you give to the Porter County Community Fund or another unrestricted community fund, PCCF gets two more!
Yes, the Match! What impact do you think this will have on our community?
Supporting the Match directly benefits local nonprofits and will help PCCF continue to meet the critical, ever-changing needs of our community. By fully participating in this opportunity. We will be able to increase the amount of annual grants and fund more impactful local programs now and into the future.
Is there anything else you want to share about your experience with PCCF?
My husband, Jeff Hahn, and I recently started the Chuck and Emily Hahn Community Fund in memory of his late parents. The experience of starting the fund as a legacy to honor Chuck and Emily has brought comfort. We are grateful for the PCCF team, who made the process easy. We also appreciate that as an unrestricted community fund it is eligible for the matching gift opportunity.
(Left) Carol and her family recently traveled together on a Disney Cruise.
(Right) Chuck and Emily Hahn celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2009.
