Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center
Capital Improvement Fund

Helping Morton’s Premier Performance Venue Thrive for Generations

Located adjacent to Morton High School, the Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center (PAC) has been a cornerstone of cultural life in Morton since its opening in 1997. This 450-seat venue was named in honor of local arts advocate Bertha A. Frank (1914–1990), whose vision brought a professional-quality theater to our community.

Since January 2003, the Capital Improvement Fund, established by the Bertha Frank PAC Foundation, has supported ongoing upgrades and essential maintenance projects within the facility. From updating theater lighting and audio systems to repairing seating and enhancing ADA accessibility, the fund ensures the PAC remains both safe and state-of-the-art.

The Bertha Frank PAC is more than just a stage—it’s a vibrant community hub. With excellent acoustics and comfortable, unassigned seating, it hosts everything from school plays and live music to community gatherings. This intimate setting lets audiences feel close to the performance, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere.

The PAC welcomes a wide range of events—from student performances and school musicals to community concerts, business seminars, and regional theater productions. By helping to sustain these capital improvements, donors play a vital role in keeping the venue vibrant and versatile for generations to come.

  • Purpose-built for performing arts, the facility serves as an extension of Morton High School’s educational programs while also meeting community cultural and enrichment needs.

  • The fund ensures essential improvements—lighting, seating, AV systems, accessibility—are up-to-date and reliable.

  • It empowers the venue to host high-quality programming that lifts community well-being and fosters local pride.

To make a tax-deductible donation to this endowment fund, you can:

  • Donate by check: Make it payable to Morton Community Foundation and mail it to 135 S First Ave, Morton, IL 61550. Please write “BFPCA Fund” on the memo line.

  • Make a tax-advantaged gift of stock…Visit our stock gifting page by clicking HERE.

  • Give online by clicking the button below.

Are you a Caterpillar Employee or Retiree?

The Caterpillar Foundation is proud to offer the year-round Matching Gifts Program to support their employees, U.S. retirees and board of directors in their contributions to worthy causes. Eligible Caterpillar participants may request an annual total maximum 1:1 match of $10,000 USD each calendar year to eligible charities to which contributions are tax deductible. The Morton Community Foundation is an eligible charity. So, if you are an eligible Caterpillar participant, you may submit any donations to this fund for an equivalent match, up to your total maximum of $10,000 per year. CLICK HERE to link to the Caterpillar Foundation’s Matching Gift website.