|
Our Mission
The original mission of the Dan Finn Classic was twofold. First and foremost the intention was to get
the Finn Family out from under the tremendous financial burden that befell them following the tragic incident that took their
son's life. Secondly, at the request of the family, was the desire to perpetuate the good memory of Dan Finn. Following the Dan Finn Classic of 2006, it became apparent that the Finn's,
while not completely in the clear, were no longer in crisis state as their bills became managable. The focus thus concentrated
on keeping Dan's name alive, not just by naming a basketball event after him but helping others, as Dan always did, in
charitable, humanitarian, and educational ways. When
the proceeds from the DFC 2012 are distributed there will be 175+ high school students that have received some help towards
meeting their tuition obligations. Additionally, substantial donations have or will be made to charitable and humanitarian
causes the most recent of which is Jatden's Journey and the New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy.
The scores of volunteers who help bring the DFC to fruition each year will take pride in knowing that
their efforts will continue our goal of helping those less fortunate than ourselves.
Our History
The idea of a "Dan Finn Classic" was the brainchild of Bob Lauterhahn, a board member
of Referee Board #33 as well as an assistant baseball coach at William Paterson University. In the fall of 2004, in an effort
to do something to help defray the costs incurred by the Finn family following the tragic death of their son, Bob sat down
with a few fellow board #33 members to come up with a plan. A similar format to what
exists today was discussed but logistics, mainly in the form of shortness of time, precluded such an effort. Bob knew that
in order to even think about a Dan Finn Classic II, the first one had to be successful. A simplified version that packed some
punch was decided on. With the help and cooperation of Bob Hurley, Steve Ricciardi,
the Jersey City Police and Firemen, numerous members of Board #33, and many others, it was decided that the Police would play
the Firemen followed by an entertaining game between the St. Anthony basketball alumni and the basketball alumni of the rest
of Hudson County. The day turned out to be a smash hit and the Dan Finn Classic was born. Almost
immediately following that February day, the wheels began turning for the Dan Finn Classic 2006 which would involve twelve
of the best high school teams, both boys and girls, in the State of New Jersey. The venue would be none other than the revamped
Jersey City Armory with its built in, mesmerizing, awe and lore. Once the sight of the best high school and college basketball
in the east, the Armory played host to some of the most prolific players in the nation including Lew Alcindor, Connie Hawkins,
Calvin Murphy and local favorites Jim Spanarkel and Mike O'Koren. The success
of the Dan Finn Classic 2006 was measured in many ways. Sure it provided needed relief to the Finn Family. Sure it provided
needed help to the family of Jasmine Manzanel, a 6 year old victim of a rare form of brain cancer. Sure it
provided for financial aid to six or seven elementary school graduates towards their high school tuition. But possibly
most important was that it proved it could be done and that the future of the Dan Finn Classic was on solid footing. Getting the schedule set for Dan Finn Classic 2007 was a relative breeze. The previous successes attracted
requests from over 75 teams looking to be part of what was, by now, a showcase event. The ever improving Armory added new
lights and a state of the art court overhang scoreboard and message center. St. Anthony, St. Benedict's, Linden, and Plainfield,
all included in the top seven or eight teams in the State, were among the teams competing. Not
only was DFC 2007 a tremendous card but it also far exceeded fund raising expectations providing tuition assistance to twenty
two additional students, again helping the family of a young athlete stricken with brain cancer, and sustaining the Dan Finn
'99 St. Peter's Prep Memorial Scholarship. All in Dan's name. Plans for
Dan Finn Classic 2013 are on the drawing board. The organization is now incorporated and has qualified for tax exempt status,
two important strategic steps in fund raising and continued success. The teams are ready and everything is top shelf
as in the past.
|
