Honoree Spotlight
More on Jim E. Finn
Jim Finn grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the age of 11, he began his first job caddying at Coldstream Country Club. His love and appreciation for golf grew during this period of his life as he continued working at Coldstream until his graduation from college from Ohio State University. Jim received the Evans Scholarship from the Western Golf Association and the Evans Scholars Foundation to fund his education. Jim’s belief in giving back to the community comes from his appreciation of receiving the Evans Scholarship along with the principles instilled in him by his Jesuit high school education.
Jim was first introduced to The Arthritis Foundation by a former board member. It was through this contact and attending this event many years ago that inspired Jim to become involved in the Arthritis Foundation.
Seeing adults—and especially children—afflicted by arthritis left an impression on Jim.
He joined the Arthritis board in 1999 and has served on numerous committees including Programs and Services, Gala/Crystal Ball, Auto Show, and the Dave Kiesling 100 Hole Golf Challenge. He was Board Chairperson from 2005 – 2007. In addition, Jim continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the Board.
Locally Jim has been involved with other organizations. He served as a board member of City Year Columbus. Currently, he serves as a trustee and officer of Opera Columbus. He sits on the organizational committee of the Hamilton Invitational to support the Evans Scholar Foundation. Jim is a member of The Buckeye Club and Brookside Golf and Country Club. In addition, he and Leslie are on the Advisory Board of the Dublin Irish Festival and a sponsor of the annual Christine Wilson Foundation Run.
Jim and his wife, Leslie have been Dublin residents for 26 years. They have two sons Michael and Patrick both married. Jim and Leslie enjoy spending time together on the golf course at Brookside, at Ohio Stadium cheering on the Buckeyes, and travelling around the United States and Europe.
When Jim and Leslie visited the Arthritis Foundation children’s summer camp several years ago, it made them more aware of the challenges children with arthritis face daily. Watching the campers enjoy just being children as they laughed and played, increased Jim’s hope that one day a cure will be found for arthritis.
The 34th Annual Crystal Ball will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at the Aladdin Shrine Temple. The evening is filled with music by the Conspiracy Band, drinks, high end and silent auctions and more. Tickets are $125.00 a person or a table of ten for $2,000. All proceeds benefit the Central Ohio Chapter’s much needed program and services. To purchase tickets or learn more about this elegant evening contact Michelle Thomas at 614-876-8200 or by email at mthomas@arthritis.org.
