| Scouters Jeral Lofley and Eldon Holmes attend the scout dinner. |
The Buckhorn district held an appreciation dinner for friends of scouts. Eldon Holmes, district scout leader said, “The food was great and Caleb Homer performed an Indian Hoop Dance. The dinner was spearheaded by Caleb Homer and our Professional Scouter John Behn. The reason for this dinner was to help raise money for the Friends of Scouting which in turn helps our local boys involved in scouting. We have learned that it takes approximately $82 a year per boy to have council support. Because of the dinner, we were able to raise $1,275. The money raised will help about 16 boys for the next year. We would like to challenge and encourage local businesses and individuals to contribute or match the funds raised and help sponsor scouts.
“The Boy Scouts of America is the largest nonprofit organization in the world that helps our youth. In 2005, Eagle projects alone provided 243,826 hours of service to local, state, national and international governmental agencies, schools, religious organizations and others resulting in a total savings of $1,235,703.90 to those organizations.
“The scouts have been involved in Scouting For Food. Since 1910, the ideals of scouting have guided young men to perform service to others and to the community. Responding to the plight of America’s poor and hungry is a traditional Scouting “good turn”. During World War I, boy scouts planted vegetable gardens to provide food for the hungry. President Roosevelt called on scouts to collect food for the needy during the Great Depression. Planting victory gardens were the scouting “good turns” organized during World War II. Today, Boy Scouts continue their “good turn” efforts in community stewardship through Scouting For Food. During the 2005 drive, over 485,000 pounds of food were collected by 18,011 youth and 9.042 adult leaders and delivered to Utah’s food banks. These donations went directly to help the children and families and seniors of our communities who are experiencing the pain of hunger in our state.
“Through helping other people, scouts learn to appreciate how they can share themselves and their blessings to those in need. By giving service to benefit others, Scouts gain a sense of personal satisfaction.
“If you, or someone you know, has been helped by the scouting program, please consider donating money to the Friends of Scouting and help the scouts in our communities,” said Holmes. Contact Holmes at 687-9235 to learn more about becoming a friend of scouts.