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About

JMB Fishing Foundation

Mission : to take what we have been given and give it back, to make a
difference in the lives of others. We were born to make a difference, to
contribute and share our gifts with the world. In 2019, JMB has worked with, and impacted over 200 children and their families. 

This year, we expect this number to more than triple . We work to provide meaningful memories by pairing children with terminal illnesses and children with special needs, with veterans, wounded warriors, fishermen, hunters and outdoorsmen in great adventures. 

Our goal is to provide new opportunities and smiles that will last a lifetime.
We’ve had a very busy 2020 and it looks like 2021 will even be bigger and busier. We get to be a part of many more special events for special people. In June of 2018, Jimmy Bennett was hosting a family fishing trip with a 6-year-old girl that had recently been diagnosed with D.I.P.G. (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma). On the trip, she looked up at him and said, “This is the best day ever! Can you help me to not die?”. It was in that instant that he knew the direction he had to go. 

It was then that JMB Fishing Foundation’s journey began. Did you know that only 4% of cancer research funds are allocated to children’s cancer? JMB is dedicated to raising awareness of childhood cancer and hosting fundraising events for those cancer patient’s families. We are also fully engaged in supporting our youth who go through daily battles due to physical and mental disabilities. 

Our entire lives, we all have been told about those with special needs but how many of us know the truth? In one event with this population, a person can learn more life truths than they knew to look for. Those with daily battles and hardships have the ability to love completely, humbly give, to see and not judge, and to never allow outward appearance affect their opinions. The more we see this, the more we realize that the people with disabilities are not the ones that are disabled. It is us who are truly disabled from seeing the world through innocent eyes. We need to be taking lessons from these special kids! Lessons on how to smile, how to be happy and how to love one another unconditionally. This entire time we thought we were volunteering to help these special kids, but the truth is, they are truly giving back by showing us how the world can be a better place. Our partnerships go towards helping families with medical expenses, taking children on unforgettable hunting and fishing trips, allowing families to make memories that outlast their lives, and helping put on all inclusive events. These are only a few ways JMB will help impact the lives of others. Won’t you consider partnering with us?
We think you’ll be glad you did. 

Prayers are powerful, folks! Keep sending them up.

JMB Fishing Foundation
The mission of JMB Fishing Foundation is to take what we have been given and give it back to make a difference in the lives of others. We were born to make a difference, to contribute and share our gifts with the world. 

JMB Fishing Foundation is an officially recognized 501 C 3, non profit organization. EIN # 84-2761848

Thanks again, Jimmy Bennett
Executive Director
JMB Fishing Foundation
431 Lakeland Park Circle Mart, TX 76691
254-716-9145

Meet The Team

JMB Fishing Foundation is a 501 (c) 3, non profit foundation. Our mission is to take what we’ve been given and give back to make a difference in the lives of others.

Meet The Team

Jimmy Bennett  ~ Founder          Miranda Bennett ~ Treasurer

Jimmy Bennett was born in Temple Texas and raised in Falls County.  Miranda was born and raised in Troy, Texas.  They now reside in Mart Texas with their 2 children, Mckenzie and Jayse. 

Jimmy also has 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren.  He is an entrepreneur and Tradesman, and Miranda works at a local elementary school as a PE Coach. 

Jimmy and Miranda’s passion is serving others.  They have taken this passion and founded the JMB Fishing Foundation.  Having a vision for building and creating, Jimmy and Miranda have been able to take their vision and their passion for service and create an avenue to provide adults and children with special needs, opportunities to have experiences they would normally never have.  They also work with Veterans in order to give back for their service.  Jimmy and Miranda take their faith and love of the Lord and share it openly in order to bring others closer to God and find comfort and purpose.  Helping others in any way they can is their life’s purpose and giving back is their greatest commitment.

Courtney Hobgood ~ President

Courtney was born in Abilene, Texas and at an early age moved to Gatesville, Texas where he would graduate high school.  Shortly after graduation, Courtney moved to Corpus Christi, Texas where he met his wife, Jacqueline.  Together, along with their daughter Kayylie, they moved to Maine as Jacqueline would continue her military career in the US Navy. After Jacqueline’s retirement, the three of them moved back to Gatesville where Courtney would start his career in the automotive industry where he still works today. 

  Being involved in the community is nothing new to Courtney.  In addition to coaching numerous youth athletic teams his daughter played on, he was also a board member of the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce for four years, two of which he served as President of the board.

 Courtney’s passion for the outdoors came from his father at a very early age. He now shares this passion for the outdoors with children that have major medical issues. His passion is also used as an outlet to help these children and their families have a positive distraction from their current realities. His daughter Kayylie is also carrying on his passion as a senior at Tarleton State University and is working towards a career as a pediatric orthopedic therapist.

 

When not volunteering their time to the JMB Fishing foundation or the special families they have met, Courtney and Jacqueline enjoy traveling, camping and of course fishing! 

Matthew 5:16

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Stephanie Aldridge  ~ Vice President              James Aldridge ~ Board Member

James and Stephanie have a passion for the outdoors and serving others so JMB Fishing Foundation has been the perfect fit.  They parent two young boys, JJ and Hudson who also love to spend all their time outdoors being wild. They enjoy camping, fishing, hunting, and hanging out on their boat with the family. During the day, Stephanie works as a pediatric occupational therapist at Elite Therapy Center in Waco. She recently completed her doctorate with a specialty in childhood development. Her dog, Minnow, is a certified Go Team Therapy Dog so you may see her around at events from time to time. James works at Nucor Steel in Jewett. He is about as handy as they come and talented in so many areas. He loves to work on things himself including cars, welding, and building.  He also enjoys working on his, and his father in-law’s old cars from the 1920-30’s. Neither of them would be where they are in life without the love and support of their father, God. He guides their family daily and helps them keep strength and passion no matter the circumstance. Isaiah 43:2-3 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior”

David Polk   ~   Secretary

Raised in Prentiss Mississippi David moved to Texas in 1989 and has resided in Gatesville TX with his wife Cristy, daughter Makaylee, and son Dalton for the last 20 years. He is an avid fisherman, hunter and follower of Christ. David’s passion has always been helping children with many activities from coaching sports and rodeo to introducing them to the outdoors. He has been involved with JMB Fishing since March of 2019. Now that David’s own children have grown up, he has more time to devote to his passion.