2017 WBLAEF Golf Tournament , chaired by Hallberg Engineering President Paul Fettinger . From left : Hallberg CEO Rick Lucio , daughter Samantha Lucio , Ashley Fettinger and father Paul .
Scholarships administered by WBLAEF are awarded to students for a variety of reasons : to economically-disadvantaged students , for participation in extracurricular activities ; to graduating seniors who excel in specific disciplines ; and , to students who exhibit strong leadership skills . Additionally , teachers and teams of teachers are awarded grants and fellowships that allow them to travel to conferences and for in-depth study time – all of which enhances their professional growth and their students ’ classroom experience .
The Angel Fund , managed by WBLAEF , is supported by the larger community and benefits families in need . The Closet , an extension of The Angel Fund , is a dedicated space where families in need browse through “ anything that can be worn head-to-toe ” for their District students .
Hank says , “ I ’ ve been involved with WBLAEF since 2012 , and because our board has worked tirelessly to support the District ’ s programs , we ’ ve recently added several more scholarships . It ’ s been my experience that more and more nonprofits have become valuable at a grassroots level because they can be more fluid and responsive to their community ’ s specific needs .”
Hank acknowledges strong donor and volunteer support from individuals , District ’ s alumni and larger community – including business partnerships – have all contributed to WBLAEF achieving its goals . One business partnership is with Hallberg Engineering , Inc .
Founded in 1979 and located in White Bear Lake since 1984 , HEI has specialized in mechanical and electrical engineering and technical design for K-12 and higher educational institutions throughout the U . S . In 2003 , HEI created the Schools for Energy Efficiency™ ( SEE ) program in K-12 schools . Other HEI clients include retail , government , community , healthcare , restaurant / hospitality and industrial .
Hank says , “ Hallberg Engineering has been a great collaborator with the Foundation for several years . Hallberg President Paul Fettinger is on our Board of Directors and co-chairs our annual golf tournament . Our 2017 tournament raised $ 32,000 . Also , Hallberg ’ s Marketing Coordinator Andrea Loppnow has served on the board and co-chaired our Bear Legacy Fundraiser / Gala . In 2017 , it raised $ 70,000 . The tournament and gala support the five grants in our Legacy Fund ; two of those are the Bear and E3 Grants .
“ The Bear Grant – available to District 624 students and staff as well as community members – awards up to $ 10,000 per year for innovative projects in math , science , technology and robotics ; for creative projects in the fine arts , music , theatre and dance ; and for leadership and community projects related to world languages , composition , journalism , health and fitness . E3 grants are awarded to individual educators , groups of educators , buildings and administrators to enhance students ’ environmental understanding and attitudes toward science , the outdoors , our community and the world .”
In addition to Hallberg ’ s fundraising efforts , Hank recognizes the value of WBLAEF ’ s redesigned website – courtesy
2017 WBLAEF Gala was chaired by Andrea Loppnow , Marketing Coordinator for Hallberg Engineering ( far right ). Hallberg President Paul Fettinger is on her left .
of Loppnow ’ s expertise . “ Our new website , launched in 2017 , has allowed our foundation to better communicate with a broader audience and increase the efficiency by which we can accept and process grants .”
Regarding his company ’ s “ special bond ” with K-12 schools and WBLAEF , Fettinger says , “ Hallberg Engineering has been located in White Bear Lake since 1998 . Both Rick Lucio ( Hallberg CEO ) and I live in White Bear Lake , and our kids attend schools in District 624 . So , we ’ re very connected to the community , to the District and the Foundation ; we want to continue supporting them in the best way we know how . Our company benefits greatly from quality education .
“ Over the next several years , there will be many people retiring from our field of engineering , which essentially makes buildings function . In addition , there are very few high school and college students aware our field of engineering even exists , so they don ’ t choose to pursue it as a career . It ’ s very rewarding being involved with District 624 through the Foundation and promoting our field of engineering by sharing our story , meeting with students interested in engineering , engaging in a job shadowing experience for teachers and sponsoring an Engineering Scholarship for White Bear Lake Area High School .
“ As proud residents and business owners in the community , Hallberg Engineering feels it ’ s important to give back to organizations that benefit our schools and our community .”
For more information : wblaef . org and hallbergengineering . com .
20 Vadnais Heights Business Guide & Community Profile