FAQ

If you have a question that isn't answered here, please feel free to reach out to us and we will do our best to answer your question promptly.

What is happening?

• The Bram and Shari Dorresteijn Memorial Scholarship Award is being established with the blessing and support of the Grunzel, Khaja, and Dorresteijn families. By raising a minimum of $25k, the scholarship will be officially established and will exist in perpetuity.

What about Wesley and Charlotte?  Shouldn’t any financial support be directed to them and the Grunzels?

• The Grunzels, Khajas, and Dorresteijns have been overwhelmed by the support shown so far.  Because of the generosity of so many as well as other considerations, the children’s financial needs have been addressed for the long-term.  The families' desire at this point is to focus on honoring the memory of Bram and Shari, and are in agreement that this is a great way to do so.

Where exactly is my donation going?

• By utilizing the link provided, you can donate directly to the Bram and Shari Dorresteijn Memorial Scholarship Award via the University of Wisconsin Foundation (UWF).  UWF is an independent, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, which raises funds and receives gifts for UW-Madison.  We are not tax professionals but donations should be tax deductible and might qualify for a match from your employer.

Who are the recipients and how are they selected?

• The annual award will be divided equally between two incoming UW-Madison freshmen; one male and one female, who are undeclared or intend to major in a degree within the College of Letters & Sciences (scholarships need to be tied to particular schools, and L&S casts the widest net for incoming students).  The recipients are selected by the UWF based on a criteria of 1) academic achievement, 2) participation in athletics, and 3) efforts to improve their community.  The UWF then administers the award based off of the schools evaluation.

What does this have to do with the Crazylegs race?

• As a UW Athletic Fundraiser, the Crazylegs organization welcomes groups that come together for a cause.  The Dorresteijn Dashers is a Crazylegs team that will run/walk annually in remembrance of Bram and Shari.  This will be one of the primary events that will be used to raise awareness and money for the Bram and Shari Dorresteijn Memorial Scholarship Award.  Anyone who would like to honor Bram and Shari’s memories is free to join the team.  Additionally, we welcome individuals and groups to donate and solicit funds for the scholarship.

What is the plan for the scholarship post-Crazylegs?

• The UWF link will remain open in perpetuity, allowing people to donate whenever they want and are able.  Also, there will be additional events and drives that will be used to increase the overall value of the endowment and hence future scholarship awards.  This blog will remain open and will provide information regarding the awarded recipients, fund value, ongoing fundraising activities, and future updates.

How much money are the scholarships worth?

• That all depends on the amount of money in the endowment.  The endowment will typically give out about 4.5% each year which would be divided evenly between the two scholarships.