Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner scheduled

The Three Rivers Council of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has been helping youth become “Prepared. For Life.” since 1919. The council comprised of 10 counties (Orange, Jefferson, Chambers, Liberty, Polk, San Jacinto, Hardin, Tyler, Jasper and Newton) serve more than 2,600 youth and 1,200 volunteers in Southeast Texas. The youth and volunteers participate in various Scouting activities, meetings, camping, events, advancement, and career-interest programs. 

According to Leslie Bentley, CEO of Three Rivers, it’s critical to raise funds that helps with operating cost; thus the Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner was created in 1985. 

Scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 14, at 6:30 p.m., the community is invited to attend the 39th annual fundraising event at the Beaumont Civic Center that supports local Scouting and it’s mission.

Individual tickets are $250, and a table for eight is $2,500. Sponsorships are also available Monday, Aug. 21, by calling (409) 842-5240. 

“This event represents about 25% of our operating income,” said Bentley. “It’s very important to us.” 

The keynote speaker for the event is Craig Boddington, a man who has worn many hats throughout his life including, professional hunter, television show host, and U.S. Marine. He has written more than 4,000 published magazine articles and authored 25 books. At the age of 17, Boddington became the youngest person to become Activities Director at his regional Boy Scout camp and went on to achieve Eagle Scout. His service included tours in the Gulf War in 1991 and Persian Gulf in 2002-03. He then retired from the USMC Reserves with the rank of colonel.

“Craig is a very interesting guy,” said Bentley. “He is an Eagle Scout who has lived the life full of adventure, including multiple safaris in Africa.”

During the evening, the Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner will also honor a generous business that has been a major supporter of Three Rivers Council – Zachry Group. 

The Zachry Group is North America’s pacesetter in turnkey engineering, construction, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services to the energy, chemicals, power, manufacturing and industrial sectors.

The group began work on several multi-billion-dollar projects including the Golden Pass LNG export terminal project in Sabine Pass in 2019 as well as the Golden Triangle Polymers (Chevron Phillips Chemical) Expansion in Orange last year. 

“Zachry Group has supported us for many years,” added Bentley. “Not just the Three Rivers Council, but with other agencies. They have a huge presence in Southeast Texas and this is a ‘thank you’ to them.”

Three Rivers Council provides a professional field staff, a service center, a Scout shop and a 900-acre year-round camping facility. Assistance is provided upon request to any youth needing help with program materials, handbooks, uniforms, camping scholarships or registration, regardless of socioeconomic status.

According to their website, the programs of the Boy Scouts of America serve young people by enabling them to develop healthy habits and make positive choices. Scouting values emphasize a lifelong appreciation of personal fitness, including the prevention of bullying, environmental stewardship and sustainability, and leadership development. Scouting is both fun and empowering; introducing young people to careers and preparing them to be active citizens. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

For more information about the event, view 3riversbsa.org or call (409) 842-5240.