LIVES CHANGED FOR SINGLE MOTHERS AND CHILDREN IN NEED

The Vernon Wells Perfect 10 Charity is a Christian, faith-based 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization established by Major League Baseball star and Texas native Vernon Wells and his wife, Charlene, to support and protect homeless children and single mothers.

Vernon and Charlene Wells

As Vernon embarks on his new journey in Southern California, he can look back fondly at the work done to support the underprivileged children of Toronto. Starting as a first-year player in 2002, Vernon began supporting the Rookie League, a program to share the lessons of baseball and the game Vernon has played since his youth with more than 500 kids.

Taking on the role of Honorary Commissioner, Vernon extended his involvement with funding in recent years to give each of the participating children a new baseball glove of their own. He’s also been behind donations of t-shirts, lunches and a backpack filled with school supplies and toiletries. Mitchell Kosny, chairman of Toronto Community Housing, saluted Vernon’s dedication. “He walks the walk, and he’s there. I’ve seen him year after year. He doesn’t come for two minutes, but stays for hours to talk to every single kid and answer every question.”

That dedication earned Vernon two consecutive years as the Blue Jays nominee for the coveted Roberto Clemente Award, named in honor of the former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder. The award recognizes the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and the individual’s contribution to his team.

In 2010, Vernon added to his awards as the recipient of the 2010 Branch Ricky Award, a recognition from Major League Baseball of the one player who does exemplary work in the community to help children.

In 2011, the Vernon Wells’ Perfect 10 Foundation became the Vernon Wells’ Perfect 10 Charity, with the opening of a new facility and programs designed to give homeless, single mothers and their children an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

To learn more about our charity, visit vernonwellscharity.org.