His interest in libraries led him to donate the plot of ground on which the Carnegie Library was built on the corner of Main and Cedar. Also because of his interest in libraries, the Finnup Foundation Trustees were motivated to provide one-half of the funds to build the Finney County Public Library in 1986.
George Finnup continued his benevolent activities, providing start-up money to many school and community projects in southwest Kansas counties. He donated $1,000.00 to every church in Garden City in the form of bonds, the interest to be used to beautify the grounds of the churches. For several years, Finnup provided poor children of the city with a turkey dinner at Thanksgiving time and gave liberally to other charities.
On May 8, 1919 he deeded 111 acres to Garden City for the Finnup Park. The park was given as a memorial to his father, Frederick Finnup. In recognition of the city's gratitude, May 8th was named Finnup Day and celebrated as a municipal holiday for many years in the city. Finnup Day was observed with a celebration honoring the pioneers of southwestern Kansas.
During George's lifetime, he bought and sold more than 1,000 quarter sections of land in Finney and surrounding counties, and approximately 500 lots in Garden City. George Finnup died in 1937.
In his will he wished to provide $3,000.00 for the park to be used for beautifying the park named after his father and in honor of his father and mother, Wilhelmina. When he died, because it was during the depression, his estate was much in debt so funds were not available to make the gift. Because of this, the Finnup Foundation Trust, in order to fulfill George Finnup's wishes, made Finnup Park one of the three principal beneficiaries to the trust.
During his time, George was known as the “Carnegie” of southwest Kansas, however he did not seek publicity from his generosity. Rather, he conducted his philanthropic business in a quiet manner with the true goal of making southwest Kansas a better place to live. He was said to have lived by the principle that his right hand should never let his left know what it was doing.
“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:3-4 NKJV
George Finnup has long since been admired for his wisdom in business and the manner in which he conducted business. The bible verse that he kept on his desk, is a great testament of his reverence for seeking out wisdom and understanding:
The small newspaper cutout of Proverbs 4:7 is the actual bible verse clipping George had on his desk. His son, Frederick, typed the verse on this notecard and attached his father’s daily reminder.
