MCF Thanks the Community
Every year the Milton Community Foundation makes a donation to Cape Henlopen High School to support graduating seniors in need of financial support to obtain their caps and gowns. This donation is made in the name of the Noble Prettyman Fund, an MCF core initiative. Mr. Prettyman was a longtime school board member who cared deeply about providing equal educational opportunities for all students.
Seniors are required to have a cap and gown to participate in the graduation ceremony. The MCF had for the first years of this initiative donated $500. Last year, some community members heard about this effort and we were able to donate $1,700. This year due to overwhelming support, the donation is for $4,100.
As the MCF is a local non-profit, seniors from Milton are supported first and, if funds are left over, other seniors in need are then supported in obtaining their caps and gowns. Further, if funds are still available, then Milton seniors in-need will be assisted in paying other expenses associated with graduation.
The MCF believes that working hard to be able to graduate and enjoying the experience should not be impacted by financial constraints. And as demonstrated by the generosity of the community and the Women's Club of Milton, we believe many community members feel the same way.
We thank all who made this year's effort an overwhelming success.
Steve Crawford
MCF - President
Pictured above: (left to right) Josh Chubb - Assistant Principal, Kristen Degregory - Assistant Principal, Steve Crawford - President MCF, Nikki Miller - Principal, Tim Slade - Assistant Principal, Drew Coulter - Assistant Principal.
The Core Initiatives that the MCF supports annually are:
- Gladys Wilkins Agriculture Scholarships: to pursue a degree in agriculture established by John Potocki of Salon Milton.
- H. O. Brittingham Scholarships: to pursue a degree in education established by Dr. Ken Brittingham to honor his grandfather, the HO (Herman Oscar) Brittingham.
- Noble Prettyman Cap and Gown Fund: to ensure that all graduating seniors from Milton have the financial support to obtain their cap and gown to be able to participate in their graduation ceremony. Mr. Prettyman served on both the Cape Henlopen School Board and Milton's School Board.
- Milton Concerts in the Park: through donations and, more importantly, through the effort of one of the MCF board members, Charlie Fleetwood. For over 20 years, he has raised the money that included a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts and booked the entertainment. In recognition of his work and with the support of the Town of Milton and Quillan Signs, the MCF had the Gazebo in Memorial Park named for Charlie.
Support for Other initiatives:
- Provided funding for the new bottle refill station in Memorial Park.
- The MCF managed a $50,000 grant and arranged for stormwater garden control projects installed at H.O. Brittingham School, Milton's Library, and M & T Bank.
- COVID Relief: Raised over $19,000 and provided Food Lion gift cards to families in need and gave the Milton Community Food Pantry over $3,000 for their holiday meal effort.
- Fire Relief: Raised over $5,000 for 3 local businesses forced to close due to a building fire. Money was used to help support the employees who lost their jobs.
- Bryan Stevenson Recognition Initiative: an initiative to honor Bryan Stevenson with a bronze plaque. With the support of the Milton Historical Society, the plaque will be erected at the Museum. This project is to celebrate Bryan's accomplishments and his ongoing efforts for equal justice. Developing plans to dedication program in 2022.
- MCF donated a new freezer and large food scale to the Milton Community Food Pantry.
- A donation was made and hands-on were provided to the Women's Clubs in their Pollinator Garden initiative.
- Mural Project: significant donation and project support
- Helped acquire new Adirondack chairs for the pleasure of community members to enjoy the view of the Broadkill River.
- Garden Club's Town Clock Project
- Christmas Tree Lighting Event: provides dozens of cookies while the Lions Club provides the hot chocolate.
- Irish Eyes for Fourth of July event in Milton Memorial Park.
- H.O. Brittingham school projects
- Milton Farmer's Market
- Eagle Scouts