Henri Vasquez

Henri Vasquez, age 14, of Parks Jr. High, raised over $2,200 in donations for the District 56 Challenger Little League Program. Challenger Little League is a program that provides Special Needs kids with a chance to play Little League Baseball. Henri has volunteered for this program for the past 3 years as a Coach. He has taken it upon himself to raise funds for the program. This year, Challenger Little League has faced some of its own challenges with updating the snack shack, new equipment and supplies for the teams.

Henri volunteers his time off the field all year-round, raising funds by cleaning trash cans, inflating car tires around his neighborhood and asking for donations. He has also visited community groups such as the Young Ladies’ Grand Institute of Fullerton, the Knights of Columbus of Anaheim, and Childhelp Wings of Orange County. He will go to any group that allows him time to talk about his Challenger kids.

Challenger Little League plays 2 games each Sunday at Portillo Park in La Habra, right behind the Children’s Museum. The games are from 12 to 1pm Henri arrives early to help set up both fields, and when the kids arrive, he helps warm them up and practices on the field with them. During the games, he helps some of our kids who need help to hit or run bases. Most of all, he makes sure that the kids are safe and have fun.

Above: Henri is presenting at the Knights of Columbus of Anaheim

Another challenge that the league faces is the potential loss of the baseball field; the city of La Habra is seeking to demolish the baseball fields to expand parking. Henri now has another task: to try to save the field for his kids.

Henri with Jackson & Ethan

Henri’s goal for this year is to surpass his fundraising from last year of over $3,000. He is continuing to work around his neighborhood, School and his own Little League schedule with Golden Hill Little League. He hopes to reach his goal by June.

If you would like to help Henri reach his goal, Donations can be made to California District 56 Challenger League, PO Box 964, La Habra, CA 90633. Please be sure to reference Henri Vasquez in your donation.