Our Mission - Fishing For Memories, Inc. engages families in positive outdoor programs that foster effective communication, empower individuals to reach their potential, and strengthen family bonds.
Meet Chris and Jennie Ebner
Chris and Jennie Ebner have been married for almost 30 years and have undertaken this outreach to the community together from its beginning and truly desire to help each child have a healthy connection to family, community, and the outdoors.
Our History
Chris Ebner is a lifelong fisherman, an avid outdoorsman, community leader, and father of four children. He has 30 years of experience in management and sales, including 25 years of nonprofit management.
Chris and his wife, Jennie, adopted their daughters through the Butler County Children and Youth Services and understand the challenges facing pre- and post-adoptive and kinship care families. For 22 years with Fishing For Memories, Inc., Chris has provided fishing instruction, memory building activities, and parental insight to over 550 families and over 2100 participants.
Chris Ebner, Director & Guide
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Geneva College in Community Ministry and is a graduate of the C&MA’s Pennsylvania Bible Institute. Chris is a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Certified Fishing Skills Instructor and a Certified Fly Fishing Skills Instructor; as well as a licensed and insured fishing guide in Pennsylvania.
Jennie Ebner, Educational Director
Jennie brings 30 years of educational expertise, holding a BA in English/Communications from Grove City College and a PA Teaching Certification. For 22 years with Fishing For Memories, Inc., she has designed and directed program curricula. Jennie is passionate about mentoring youth and helping every child reach their full potential.
How We Help
Founded in 2004, Fishing For Memories provides engaging outdoor opportunities for children and youth ages 5 to 26 to build fishing skills, learn environmental conservation, and participate in teamwork activities. Our programs foster a supportive, encouraging atmosphere where families across Western Pennsylvania can strengthen their bonds—one memory at a time.
We proudly serve families of all backgrounds, including foster, adoptive, kinship, and single-parent households, as well as youth with special needs ranging from hearing impairment to quadriplegia. Fishing For Memories also collaborates directly with community organizations, including Boy Scouts, church youth groups, and after-school programs.
Most fishing activities are conducted at Little Bitty Lake
Our Location - Little Bitty Lake
308 Eyth Road, Butler, PA 16002
Most of our fishing activities take place at Little Bitty Lake, a 3-acre, privately owned pond ideal for first-time anglers. Stocked with eager bass and bluegill, it provides an encouraging environment where most participants catch their very first fish that day.
Make a Moment Become a Memory
Fishing For Memories, Inc. has a strategy that can work for many families. Over the years we have received donations from caring community members who had heard about Fishing For Memories, Inc. by word of mouth.
Please help us continue to encourage the families in our communities through our fishing programs and outdoor bonding activities.
To minimize credit card processing fees, we are pleased to accept donations through Thrivent Charitable Impact and Investing, as well as Paypal Donate. Thank you for your support!