History of 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. 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 in Norwalk, CT 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.
History of the Mama Dot Scholarship Award
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.