F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions
Who is "Mama Dot"?
Dorothy was born to the late Oscar L. Hunt and the late Anna Belle Jackson Hunt in Oxford, North Carolina on December 18, 1917. She passed away on January 25, 2007. After retiring, “Mama Dot” as she was affectionately called, began raising foster children in Norwalk, CT. Rather than see a child put in harms way, her answer would always be “Yes” when the social workers called at any hour of the day and often without financial assistance. She continued to open her home to these children for more than 30 years, until health constraints prohibited her ability to take in additional children.
Mama Dot’s house was home to anyone who stopped by. They might need a meal, a place to sleep, or just pleasant conversation. She was a very well-known and loved woman within her community who will be missed dearly.
How did this scholarship get started?
The Mama Dot Scholarship Award began in January 2007 as a community service project. At the time, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon were enrolled in a 20-week leadership training program. In order to complete the program, each student had to complete a community service project that would benefit their community.
After hearing the sad news of "Mama Dot" passing away on January 25, 2007 the idea of starting the scholarship award was born. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon raised $500 for the scholarship by receiving donations from family members, friends and members of the community. After raising the money and selecting a winner, they decided to present the scholarship by having an award ceremony in the winner's honor.
What is your mission?
Our mission is to reward as many foster or adopted high school seniors as possible and help with a portion of their college expenses.
Who funds the money for this scholarship?
This scholarship is funded by donations received from family members, friends and local organizations.
How many scholarships have you given away so far?
So far we have given away one scholarship. In the event that we raise more than $500 this year and the excess money is enough to award an additional scholarship, we will give away two scholarships this year! Otherwise, the extra money raised will be applied to the 2009 scholarship award.
How can I make a donation?
Send your donation to:
The Mama Dot Scholarship Award
P.O. Box 2032
Middletown, CT 06457
** Please make all checks and money orders payable to The Mama Dot Scholarship Award **
Who is eligible to receive this scholarship?
All foster or adopted high school seniors graduating this year in the state of Connecticut are eligible. Applicants must be planning on attending a college or university beginning in the summer or fall after graduation.
How is the winner chosen?
A winner will be chosen by our application screening committee. All essays and applications will be judged on content and clarity.
When will the check be awarded?
The check will be awarded on June 6, 2008 in Connecticut. The location of the award ceremony location will be announced to the winning student(s). The scholarship will be paid in the student's name to the college or university of their choice.
Will my donation be tax-deductible?
At this time, your donations will not be tax-deductible. However, if this scholarship is successful again this year, we hope to have this set up for next year.