Supporters of the Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Council gathered at Sand Creek Country Club on June 29, 2015 for the first annual Scramble for Scouts golf outing. The fundraiser, organized in large part by James Pysh, promised a fun time on the green.
Today’s golfers represented a lot of contributors to the Boy Scouts organization. Foursomes from Jimmy John’s, Chase Bank, NITCO and Franciscan Alliance - St Anthony’s Health all enjoyed themselves despite the cool drizzle watering the course.
For many of the participants, the Boy Scouts of America was a part of their past that they were proud to represent. They were scouts as children and now their kids are part of the program. For Pysh, the Scramble is a culmination of a lot of things.
I’m in the golf business,” he said.”I’ve been in the golf business for twenty years, and scouting for seven. I enjoy both so it’s nice to combine them.”
For Boy Scout Alex Villalpando, “It’s a good way to get out and show the community ‘Hey, We’re here.’”
The Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Council’s Director of Development, Nate Thornton, has been a part of many scout fundraisers. “The more dollars we bring in, the more programs we can provide. The more programs we have, the more kids join. The more kids, the better the community.”
Donors were also able to bid on spa treatments, tickets to Taltree Arboretum and Gardens, and other great prizes in a silent auction. Ringo’s in Crown Point, where Pysh works, was able to donate golf supplies to raise money for the scouts. They also provided spare balls for the golfers to use.
Erika Dutcher, Senior District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Council, says that the organization as a whole is “volunteer led, professionally guided.” She provides assistance with marketing, communications, and public relations, and is proud to see what the scout leaders do at a local level. It is all about the kids; events like these keep the kids safe, learning, and having fun.