Henry Scolnick gave a speech at this year’s Annual Aid Another Gala, an event sponsored by Aid Another, an organization founded to promote and empower individuals with disabilities through dance, music, art, educational assistance, recreational activities, and sports. Henry explained what Tikkun Olam means and how he is doing his part to repair the world. He shared with everyone that in Judaism, chai means “life.”
“In Judaism, the number 18 means chai or ‘life.’ I have chosen to donate $1,800 of my (Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award) scholarship to Ballers to ensure the ‘life’ of the program continues to be a success. But it takes much more than that to make it happen. I’m asking for your help tonight. I invite you all to come together to match my donation. Chai is good, but double chai is even better!”
Henry was hoping for a match, but “what happened next was a ripple effect of good,” says Lauren Scolnick, Henry’s mother. The Cape Henry junior raised an additional $6,100 for Ballers Basketball, the league he founded to offer children with disabilities an opportunity to play organized basketball. Combined with his $1,800 commitment, Henry raised $7,900 in just 10 minutes.
In addition to founding Ballers Basketball and fundraising for the nonprofit, Henry also coaches and performs all volunteer recruiting for Champions Baseball, a program of Aid Another, every Saturday.
To donate to Ballers Basketball, go to https://GiveButter.com/ BallersSponsor26.