Local scout spokesperson Jimmy Perry told The Logan Banner this year's dinner will be honoring James H. "Buck" Harless for his contributions to the community and that the gala event will feature Marshall University President Dr. Stephen Kopp, Ph.D. as guest speaker.
Kopp became Marshall's 36th president in July of 2005 and is known for being active with the school and in the community and has authored more than one hundred scientific papers in his academic career. He earned his B.S. at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Biology and his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois in the fields of Physiology and Biophysics. He has held positions at Midwestern University, Central Michigan University and Ohio University. He also serves on the boards of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, the Huntington Area Development Council, the Huntington Museum of Art and the Marshall Artists Series among others.
Perry said the annual dinner helps supports scouting in the local region. Perry said young people today face many problems like hunger, drug abuse, child abuse, illiteracy, unemployment, but the Boy Scouts do not stand idly by. Perry said the "Scouting for Food" program - a nationwide project - is just one of many good examples of how Scouting does its part to help meet the needs of America. Millions of cans of food were gathered by Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorers in the largest collection of foodstuffs ever undertaken in the United States.
Perry said the Boy Scouts of America is continuing to emphasize the dangers of substance abuse with it's "Drugs: A Deadly Game" program which was launched in 1987.
The Boy Scouts of America promotes literacy through Boy's Life magazine and other literature for young people and adults. Advancements in Scouting expose scouts to publications that are carefully written for specific age and or grade levels.
Perry said the real impact of scouting is seen in responsible adults whose lives have been better because they were Scouts in their youth.
"Your contribution is an investment in the youth of our area," Perry said, adding that funds contributed to the Chief Cornstalk District provide services to the youth of southern West Virginia including Logan, Mingo and Boone Counties in West Virginia and Pike County in neighboring Kentucky.
There are several levels of contributorship available from supporter at $100-$200 all the way up to $5,000 for benefactors. Pledges are payable before Dec. 31, 2007 and there is a $125 ticket minimum for attendance.
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