AN INTRODUCTION
The creators of De Karel are Dennis and Franki Münninghoff from Drunen. They both work in IT and, through their company, Software Society, sell specialized software to the large-scale fitness industry in 14 countries. In the Netherlands, clients like Basic-Fit and Fit For Free use their software.
Together they also run Rockpodium, an organization that provides stages, lighting, sound and artists during charity fundraisers and local non-profit events.
Dennis and Franki live by the motto: What you give, you get back . This has earned them, among other things, De Karel.
YES, I DO...
It was December 2006 when a couple exchanged vows in the Serious Requests glass house in Utrecht. They were Dennis Münninghoff and Franki Waldron from Drunen. The wedding ceremony took place in front of 3FM DJs Giel Beelen, Gerard Ekdom, Sander Lantinga, and thousands of spectators. From that moment on, the Drunen residents had a passion for charity.
...REALLY WANT A TRAIN
When NS (Dutch Railways) auctioned an old train carriage (the Anja) for Serious Request at the end of 2014, Dennis made himself heard again. As the highest bidder, he could expect to win the carriage with a complete bar, kitchen, and refrigerator.
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SAD NEWS
A short time later, a disturbing message followed: the old carriage contained asbestos, and NS was not permitted to deliver the train.
Train enthusiast Dennis is left empty-handed, despite all the preparations to place the old wagon in his garden.
THINKING IN POSSIBILTIES
NS wants to refund Dennis the money for the carriage now that the auction item cannot be delivered. However, the benefactor refuses to hear of this.
Dennis wants the money to go to charity after all and is talking to NS (Dutch Railways) about other options. Owning his own train seems like a good idea.
AND THEN THE MAT64 IS SCRAPPED
When the Mat'64 's decommissioning hit the news, Dennis happened to be in talks with NS (Dutch Railways) . This is where the idea of running his own train arose. Now that the "Apekop" is no longer in service, Dennis's dream suddenly seemed like it could become a reality.
HE WHO DARES, WINS
After a long process of almost three years, NS has finally made a Mat'64 available for the implementation of this idea. Train 466 is ready for service after a thorough inspection and refurbishment!
