JOE FINGER YOUTH BENEFIT
A nonprofit 501(c)3, the Joe Finger Youth Benefit was established in 2017 to raise funds for the development and management of Finger Memorial Park.
Their mission is to develop the Finger Memorial Park into a public space to enhance the health and wellbeing of everyone who lives in the unincorporated community of D’Hanis, Texas, and surrounding Medina County.
Goals
The Joe Finger Youth Benefit aims to achieve their mission by:
Constructing three regulation ball fields (two for high school or adult competition, and one for Little League play), a concession stand, soccer/football field, sand volleyball court, two pickleball courts, basketball court, a playground and a walking/running trail around the perimeter of the complex.
Providing a safe and enjoyable space for youth and all visitors to enjoy athletic activities, community events, and special programs.
Holding fundraising events, seeking grant funding, requesting financial or in-kind support from individuals and businesses, as well as holding workdays to recruit volunteer labor and encourage community engagement
History
Joe Finger loved supporting the youth in his community and believed strongly in the valuable role athletics played in their development as confident children and future community leaders. Joe was instrumental in founding the D’Hanis Youth Association and had a desire to develop a small park for the local community where children and their families could gather and play. After his passing in 2017, his wife Linda, and children Joey and Kristina Finger, established the Joe Finger Youth Benefit (JFYB) to carry on this dream.
The JFYB searched for potential park sites that could include activites such as a walking, running, baseball and softball, basketball, soccer, football, and a playground, to name a few.
In 2018, 18 acres near D’Hanis schools were donated by the Jim and Bernice Finger Family to serve as the grounds of the Finger Memorial Park. Grantors include Susan Finger Herring, Marilyn Finger Ballard, Peggy Finger, Margaret and Jim Finger, and Mary and Mike Finger.
The JFYB has held numerous fundraisers where 100% of proceeds go to the park development. Additionally, many individuals, families, and businesses donate their time, labor, and materials for this volunteer-led endeavor. Completed projects include the Pressler Walking Trail, parking lot, playground, perimeter fence, entrance gate, temporary concession stand, bathroom and septic system, and a nearly completed Little League field. The foundation for the pavilion is complete and is used for events, pickleball, and basketball. Water conscious landscaping and irrigations systems are being implemented.
This is a volunteer-led effort made possible by incredible donors and community members. It would not be possible without the dedication of individuals who believe in our mission and all the hands and boots on the ground - of ALL ages - making it happen! On behalf of the Joe Finger Youth Benefit and Finger Memorial Park, thank you for your support!
Board Members
Linda Finger, President
Pam McFadin, Secretary
Kristina Finger, Treasurer
Johnette Dixon
Chad Elder
Joey Finger
Mandy Krause
Amanda Schawe
Robbie Watkins
Roy Wilson