The Raiders, Oakland Athletics and Golden Knights stepped up to the plate to assist the Henderson All-Stars Little League team in their World Series quest.
The Raiders announced a pledge of $20,000 Tuesday afternoon, the A’s donated $15,000 Tuesday morning to the youth team’s GoFundMe page, and the Knights announced Monday a $10,000 contribution to help cover travel costs for the team’s trek to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the site of the Little League World Series.
“Good luck—after two months, we think it’s time for another title in the Valley,” the Golden Knights tweeted Monday.
The Athletics Investment Group’s $15,000 donation is listed as the top donation of the 164 contributions made on the team’s GoFundMe page, set up by Ryan Walther on behalf of the parents of the Henderson team’s players. As of Tuesday afternoon the fundraiser has generated $32,830, already eclipsing the original $25,000 goal.
“We are happy to support the Henderson Little League in their pursuit to bring another championship to Southern Nevada,” the A’s said in a statement.
Henderson became just the second Nevada team to make the Little League World Series on Friday, beating Utah’s Snow Canyon 10-0 in the Mountain Region final. The team opens play at the World Series at noon Wednesday against Smithfield, Rhode Island. The game will air live on ESPN.
Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero said the entire city is ready to root for its hometown team.
“The heart of Henderson truly shines in moments like these when the entire community comes together as family,” Romero said in a statement. “I’m so proud that our local professional sports teams have welcomed the Little League team to their ranks, and I applaud the generous donations they and our business community have made to cover their travel expenses.”
The money donated by the pro sports teams and singular donors will go toward flights, car rentals, hotels, meals, incidentals and team activities.
“It is important to me that this group of dedicated parents get support,” Walther wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Having12 families travel to Pennsylvania for 14 days is a huge financial burden on top of time lost at work.”
Contact Mick Akers at [email protected] or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.
