The Bart Foundation
The Bart Foundation was established after the death in 2003 of Bart de Graaff, the founder of the Dutch broadcasting company Bart News Network (BNN), and a unique character with a very special attitude towards life.
The idea to create a foundation was the initiative of his friends, relatives and colleagues. The Bart Foundation strives to create a lasting legacy and tribute to his memory.
Despite his illness, Bart managed to live life to the full and couldn’t be stopped by anyone or anything. This same mentality and attitude are the basis of the work of the Bart Foundation.
Mirjam de Graaff, Bart’s sister, puts it this way: "Bart used to be the tallest pupil of his year, but after he turned nine and became ill, he stopped growing. I never noticed a thing, because to me, he was always the greatest, and still is. We used to call him ‘little big man’ because of his enormous willpower. That is what being with Bart taught me: live your life, make the most of it and never let yourself get down.
“The Bart Foundation wants to help people who, like Bart, show perseverance and drive. And because this attitude is not always easy for ‘patients’, we want to give them ‘Bart’ as a bit of encouragement. His lust for life and perseverance are my source of inspiration!”
Bart was surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers who helped him channel his perseverance, courage and unique attitude towards life in order to realise his greatest ambition: his own TV and radio station! The Bart Foundation was started to offer other true champions the same kind of support.
Website: www.bartfoundation.nl
The idea to create a foundation was the initiative of his friends, relatives and colleagues. The Bart Foundation strives to create a lasting legacy and tribute to his memory.
Despite his illness, Bart managed to live life to the full and couldn’t be stopped by anyone or anything. This same mentality and attitude are the basis of the work of the Bart Foundation.
Mirjam de Graaff, Bart’s sister, puts it this way: "Bart used to be the tallest pupil of his year, but after he turned nine and became ill, he stopped growing. I never noticed a thing, because to me, he was always the greatest, and still is. We used to call him ‘little big man’ because of his enormous willpower. That is what being with Bart taught me: live your life, make the most of it and never let yourself get down.
“The Bart Foundation wants to help people who, like Bart, show perseverance and drive. And because this attitude is not always easy for ‘patients’, we want to give them ‘Bart’ as a bit of encouragement. His lust for life and perseverance are my source of inspiration!”
Bart was surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers who helped him channel his perseverance, courage and unique attitude towards life in order to realise his greatest ambition: his own TV and radio station! The Bart Foundation was started to offer other true champions the same kind of support.
Website: www.bartfoundation.nl
