Benjamin Dufour Foundation

The Benjamin Dufour Foundation (BDF) is a 501(C)(3)* charter whose mission is to support charity organizations that align with our core values and reflect the values Benjamin Dufour lived by; Kindness, Fairness and Generosity. Some examples of organizations we support are; Autism Speaks, the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, The Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors and Stand Up To Bullying.** On a more fun note, BDF also supports Lego-centric charities to honor Ben's devotion to his vast Lego collection. In addition to charitable giving, the BDF has established an annual scholarship program to benefit students entering the Auto Technician program at the South Shore Technical High School in Rockland, MA.

Working closely with the South Shore Technical High School faculty and automotive teaching staff, the BDF committee will assess and select from a pool of students in need of financial support enabling them to purchase the necessary tools, uniforms, boots and other functional gear to comply with their schools and their co-op employer's workplace and safety standards. Through experience we know a student requires a good pair of boots, multiple uniforms, safety glasses, gloves and eventually their own tool kits. Students entering the program who lack the necessary financial scaffolding will struggle to cover all the basics... this is where our foundation can help!

To become eligible to receive funds from the BDF, a student must show commitment and willingness to succeed in the auto tech program, and a demonstrable financial need. Rather than follow a traditional model of scholarship awards at graduation, the Foundation would like to engage students at the conclusion of their exploratory period and final shop selections (entering Grade 10). If this Foundation and its partners can help ease the barriers to entry in Automotive, we would like to extend a hand up as early as possible!

Financial assistance is provided to student(s) upon selection by the Foundation and SSTHS faculty. Funds will be dispersed via check from the Foundation to SSTHS upon request by the student. We have budgeted for two annual awards in the amounts of $250 and $500. However, in the unlikely event a year presents with no clear candidates, these funds will be rolled into the following academic year.

*We are applying for tax-exempt status.

(**STAND UP to Bullying is a program of Empower Peace, a non-profit organization in Boston, bringing together middle and high school students and educating, inspiring and empowering students to take an active role in combating bullying in their schools and communities. Empower Peace, in partnership with the renowned anti-bullying organization the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University (MARC) and The Browne Center conducts these programs to provide training and empowerment in bullying prevention for participating schools.)

T-shirts and wrist bands are still for sale.

Classics for a Cause 2023 FaceBook

Thank you in advance for your support.

The Management Committee

Scholarships

Charitable giving aligned w/ mission statement and AoA