The DJ Henry Dream Fund Allowing Kids to Stay in Sports

 By Paige Fitzpatrick

*Published in South Shore Community Magazine*

DJ Henry

While many children enjoy the benefits that come with being involved in sports, nearly 43% of children’s families cannot afford the extra costs that add up from these activities.

 

Enter the DJ Henry Dream Fund. The fund’s goal is to help keep kids who can’t afford the costs to stay involved.

 

The Henry family knows how important sports can be for kids. Angella and Danroy Henry Sr. lost their son Danroy “DJ” Henry Jr. in 2010 when he was shot and killed by a police officer while he was sitting in his car outside of a night club in New York. He was a football player at Pace University at the time. 

 

DJ loved sports and after DJ’s passing, many of his teammates throughout the years came forward to share stories of how DJ impacted their lives. 

 

“If a teammate’s track shoes weren’t fitting, he gave them his shoes. If they needed shoulder pads, he gave them his shoulder pads, and the list goes on,” Angella Henry said. 

 

DJ’s parents and siblings, Kyle and Amber, are following DJ’s example of helping others to make a difference.

 

In 2011, the Henry family created the DJ Henry Dream Fund to provide young athletes with opportunities to participate in community-based programs and preforming arts programs. 

 

“We realized there was a big gap for kids who wanted to participate in sports, but their families couldn’t afford it,” Angella Henry said. “We wanted to provide funding, so these kids can have access to these programs.”

 

Each year their goal is to raise $100,000 for scholarships for kids ages 5-18 in Massachusetts. 

 

To raise money for the fund, the Henry family relies on the generosity of others and holds a fundraising gala around DJ’s birthday in October. The Henry family is also extremely grateful from the continued support they receive from HarborOne Bank, The Goddard Foundation, and W.B. Mason, she said. 

 

Dance Scholarship Recipient

With the money raised at the gala and the generosity of others, the DJ Henry Dream Fund has helped kids enroll in nearly 200 programs in Massachusetts.

 

“It's always wonderful to hear from parents,” Angella Henry said “One parent emailed me this message”, ‘My daughter has made some amazing friends and grew not only in her athletic ability but in her self-confidence and determination. Without a DJ Henry Dream Fund scholarship, we would not have been able to participate, and I am so thankful for this.’

 

The DJ Henry Fund has made a great impact in many children’s lives, especially in communities that may need it most, she said.

 

“Wherever there’s a need that is where we want to be,” Angella Henry said. 

 

Individuals can apply for a DJ Henry Fund scholarship at djdreamfund.org/apply.