The Bignell family is taking a tragic heartache and turning it into an opportunity to help others. Chris and Sue Bignell lost their teenage son, Bryan, last March, but in the wake of their sadness, the Bignell’s wanted to make a difference in Bryan’s memory.
They have established the Bryan “Bigs” Bignell Scholarship through the Community Foundation of Dunn County to help Menomonie High School students achieve their dreams. Bryan was a smiling face at Menomonie High School where he was active in many school clubs and events including DECA and Forensics. He had a true gift for public speaking. Bryan had been working at McDonald’s in Baldwin with the long-term goal of becoming an auctioneer. He was a bit of an entrepreneur, as he enjoyed buying things, fixing them up and selling them for a little extra money.
Bryan enjoyed spending time hunting deer and turkey with his dad and practicing auctioneer calling and watching movies with his mom. He loved to cook with his grandma and to spend time looking at tractors with his grandpa, and he always had a special place in his heart for his little sister, Rebekah.
This scholarship has been established in Bryan’s loving memory to help one graduating senior each year who is going into a two year or four year program in the field of marketing. Preference will be given to those who have participated in DECA or Forensics, and to those who exemplify Bryan’s overall spirit, generosity, and good-hearted nature.
The first Bryan “Bigs” Bignell Scholarship is set to be awarded to the Menomonie High School Class of 2019 this spring. Donations to the fund are welcome and help strengthen the impact of the fund. Gifts can be made out to the Bryan “Bigs” Bignell Fund and mailed to the Community Foundation of Dunn County at 500 Main Street, Suite 322, Menomonie or by clicking here. Please call the Community Foundation at (715) 232-8019 with any questions.