Buccaneer Educational Foundation provides grants to exceptional students and teachers.

Buccaneer Educational Foundation invites the Milford community to support student success on Nov. 8

MILFORD, Del. — The Buccaneer Educational Foundation (BEF) is calling on local businesses, community groups, and residents to mark their calendars for the Fall Fling, set for Saturday, Nov. 8, at Chorman’s Hangar. The festive evening will feature food, live music, recognitions, and fellowship — all in support of expanded learning opportunities across the Milford School District.

Founded in 2024 by members of the Milford Board of Education, BEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching education through community partnerships. The organization’s mission is to inspire academic rigor, fund new learning opportunities, and help Milford students become well-rounded, productive citizens.

BEF is Investing in Milford’s future

BEF is already making a difference in local classrooms. The foundation has awarded classroom-size grants to teachers for unique educational experiences that go beyond what district budgets can fund. It has also provided mini-awards to help local Milford students — particularly those in need — cover travel expenses to national academic competitions. The organization was founded by Matt Bucher, Vice President of the Milford School Board. He was aided by several local individuals, business leaders, and teachers. “The organization was founded by the community coming together and doing what they can. That tradition continues on November 8th”.

“These are our hardest-working, brightest students,” said Matt Bucher. “Many people in Milford already support the schools. This is a special project to help teachers and some deserving students maximize their opportunities and enable the most deserving to achieve their best. It’s the extra boost that makes dreams really come alive.”

A mission that connects classrooms and community

The Foundation continues to build partnerships among educators, families, business owners, and civic leaders to strengthen learning opportunities for all Milford students. Looking ahead, BEF hopes to expand its work into areas such as career and technical education (CTE) grants and future scholarship programs.

“This venture belongs to the community, not the district,” Bucher added. “Our students benefit when neighbors, business owners, and civic leaders step up to invest in their future. The more folks help, the more we can do.”

How to get involved

Residents and organizations are encouraged to:

Put the Fall Fling on their calendar for Saturday, Nov. 8, at Chorman’s Hangar.
Attend, sponsor, or donate to help fund classroom innovation and student success.
Connect directly with Matt Bucher to learn more about sponsorship levels or volunteer opportunities.

Individual tickets, discounted tables, and sponsorships are available, with all contributions fully tax-deductible. For details or to get involved, contact Matt Bucher at (302) 462-1962 or email bucherx@aol.com.