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Boy Scout Benefit Earns Merit Points

Tribune photo by GEORGE H. NEWMAN

Longtime Boy Scout volunteer Dean Snyder receives the 2009 Distinguished Citizen Award.

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: March 4, 2009

PLANT CITY - Contributors at the Friends of Scouting dinner proved to be more loyal than thrifty as the event collected more than $38,000 to benefit Boy Scout troops in the Plant City area.

The event was attended by 275 contributors and sponsors, a more than 30 percent increase from last year. Donations continue to roll in, and the total is expected to reach $50,000, an increase of about 42 percent over the 2008 dinner, organizers said.

Dean Snyder, a longtime Boy Scouts volunteer and former scoutmaster who helped 33 scouts including his two sons reach Eagle Scout status, received the Distinguished Citizen Award at the fundraiser.

The sixth annual dinner was held for the first time at the Trinkle center at the Plant City campus of Hillsborough Community College. The additional space at the center allowed an expanded dining area and larger program over past venues.

"This venue created a great opportunity to have scouts on the program, and to be recognized by those who enthusiastically support scouting in our community," Snyder said.

To open the event, 45 scouts paraded in uniform, presenting the colors, reciting the Boy Scout Oath and the Pledge of Allegiance. Twenty-five parents of active scouts also attended.

"The dinner isn't just about fundraising. It also speaks of the leadership, morals and character that scouting encourages in our youth," Snyder said.

Jennifer Thomason, the director of the Timucua District of the Boy Scouts of America, which represents southeast Hillsborough County, including Plant City, said the fundraiser reflects the interest people in Plant City have for area youth and scouting.

"It is quite amazing to see the participation each year at the Plant City fundraiser," Thomason said. "The percentage of people who support scouting and have been a part of scouting in the community over the years is impressive. In spite of the downturn in the economy the Plant City event continues to grow."

The guest speaker was Tampa Bay Buccaneer and former University of Florida running back Earnest Graham. The former Gator spoke of attributes of character such as dedication, determination and doing the right thing.

Seven newly named Eagle Scouts in the district were recognized during the fundraiser, all from Plant City Troop 14. They are Benjamin T. Abercrombie, Nathaniel D. Carson, Nathanael A. Cruzado, Michol S. Hurst, Kenneth E. Kelly, William T. Lee and Tyler F. Nadwairski.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451.

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