On July 21, Henderson Little League’s 12 & under team will play for the state championships in Elko, Nevada. The team of 11 and 12 year olds will represent District 2 as they play Elko-area District 3 for the State title. To help defray the approximate $1,000 cost per player to attend the tournament, Dollar Loan Center has gifted the league an additional $10,000. Dollar Loan Center CEO Chuck Brennan surprised thousands on the league’s opening night of its 25th season with a commitment of $25,000.
“I can’t tell you how many times we’ve come in second since the league was founded 25 years ago,” said Robert Nelson, Henderson Little League’s sponsorship coordinator. “This means so much for these kids.”
This year’s donation makes Dollar Loan Center the largest single contributor to Henderson Little League for the second year in a row. In 2011, Brennan committed $10,000 to the league upon hearing that several of its major sponsors had dropped out for economic reasons.
Henderson Little League has dedicated its 25th season to Cody Clark, 19, a former Henderson Little League player who was diagnosed with bone cancer earlier this year. Clark recently had his leg amputated and is currently undergoing physical therapy. During the opening ceremonies for the 2012 season, Brennan added to his commitment with an additional $5,000 donation to Clark’s family for help with medical expenses.
Clark has been an inspiration to all the children who play in the league this year, according to Nelson. “We tell the kids to go out there every game and make the most of it because you never know what the future may hold,” he said.
If Henderson Little League wins the Nevada State Little League championship, the team will travel to San Bernardino, Calif. in early August for the Western District tournament. Western District champions will play in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, VA in late August.
Dollar Loan Center CEO Chuck Brennan is one of Nevada’s most recognized philanthropists, giving more than $500,000 annually to charities across the country. In 2011 alone, he supported Opportunity Village in several campaigns, the 15 Foundation, Henderson Little League, Boys and Girls Club, the Alice Cooper Solid Rock Foundation and dozens of other deserving organizations.
Brennan owns and operates 56 Dollar Loan Center locations throughout California, Southern Nevada, South Dakota, and Utah. This year, the company was named a “Best Place To Work” In Southern Nevada by Vegas Inc magazine. In 2007, Entrepreneur Magazine listed the company among its “Hot 500” Fastest Growing Businesses and Entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.dontbebroke.com.