The Georgia-Carolina Council Scouting America held its annual campaign kickoff and named this year’s Distinguished Citizen Award winner.
Donnie Thompson, owner of several businesses, most notably Windsor Fine Jewelers, was chosen by previous award winners to be recognized this year.
Thompson, who thanked the council and his predecessors, was introduced by Andy Jones, owner of the Gerald Jones Auto Group. Jones said Thompson embodies the spirit of scouting by being helpful, kind, and generous.
“Generosity isn’t just about money,” said Jones. “It’s your talents, your energy, and your heart, and Donnie gives all. He shares resources when there’s a need, but he also shares encouragement, ideas, and leadership, and he does it with a positive spirit that helps everyone around. He lifts people up. He’s shown that courage for years by taking up challenges that have made our community a much better place to live and raise children.”
The Investment in Character Campaign starts the organization’s annual fundraising activities. Council President Travis Herron said funds have supported a broad spectrum of activities and programs.
“We operated a summer camp with a growth in campers and provided jobs for about 40 young people,” he said. “We also were able to build three new Adirondack shelters this past year and hosted three church groups for their summer camps. Our nearly 800 volunteer Scouters and mentors provided a great scouting program to over 1,500 youth at the Nature and Adventure Center. Over 300 youth attended day camp programs.”
Attendees were also introduced to Miles Mazer and his mother, Lauren. He was the top salesman in last year’s popcorn sales, bringing in $17,000.
“I’m a second-class scout and currently serving as a patrol leader. I’ve been a Scout since I was in first grade, and I have had some really fun trips,” he explained, adding that scouting is also educational. “Scouting gives you the opportunity to try new and fun things. There are 141 merit badges. So far, I have 45, and I plan to earn all of them.”
The keynote speaker was Joanna Conley, CEO of Doctors Hospital, who shared her family’s involvement in scouting. She touted scouting’s ability to shape young people while strengthening families and communities.
“Scouting helps teach kids the importance of giving back to their community, experiencing new things, appreciating the outdoors, and serving others,” she said. “I think we can all agree that these characteristics will help us build a greater future for our community.”
Scout Executive Dan Rogers told ABD that this is the message behind scouting. It is a family-based program that prepares members for their future.
“It is an opportunity for you to engage with your kids doing a lot of fun activities,” he explained. “Our purpose of scouting is to help young people be prepared for life by instilling in them the values we find in the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and the leadership opportunities that are coming through scouting, and the opportunity to stretch your limits.”
Thompson is the eighth Distinguished Citizen. Previous honorees were:
- Major General Perry Smith
- Mrs. Anne Boardman
- Rick & Robin Allen
- Honorable Judge Carl Brown
- Randy Hatcher
- Eagle Scout Will Morris IV
- Eagle Scout Doug Cates
To learn more about scouting, or to contribute to the program, visit
https://donations.scouting.org/council/093/appeal/9158 or contact Rogers at dan.Rogers@Scouting.org.
