Local African American leaders honored in memory of Whitney M. Young and in support of Local At-Risk Youth
CHICAGO, IL  –  To commemorate a life of service, the 4th annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Awards Dinner, hosted by the Chicago Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, honored Lester N. Coney, Executive VP, Mesirow Financial, John T. Hooker, Ret. VP, ComEd, Col. Eugene F. Scott, CEO, Chicago Defender Charities, Reginald J. Hill, Partner, Jenner & Block and the Black McDonald’s Operators Association. Rear Admiral Earl L. Gay of the US Navy Recruiting Command was the keynote speaker.
Joining the cause was Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle as Honorary Chair. Last year, this benefit funded Scouting programs for over 800 at-risk and low-income youth served by the Chicago Area Council. The event was held on Thursday, October 25th at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr.
Scoutreach is designed to bring programs that instill positive values and productive learning opportunities for our youth. Supporting this event makes it possible for underprivileged youth to stay off the street with regular programing and receive camperships and go to Owasippe Scout Reservation, the oldest Boy Scout camp in the nation. Field personnel can be funded through this program to start new Troops in areas where a need exists, but volunteers do not. Through the Boy Scouts, young people have an opportunity to become involved in positive activities, build lasting relationships with mentors and improve self-esteem as they develop into our
future leaders.
Each year the Scoutreach Committee selects local leaders to be honored with a Service Award for the work they do in our community. The Service Award is named after Mr. Whitney M. Young, Jr. for his commitment to serving to improve the lives of African Americans across the country. Our local honorees have, in their own ways, lived up to the spirit of service by helping to prepare and inspire our children for life.
Whitney M. Young, Jr. was an educator and U.S. civil rights leader who spearheaded the drive for equal opportunity for African-Americans in industry and government during his 10 years as head of the National Urban League.
Boy Scouts of America, Chicago Area Council serves thousands of  youth across the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs through traditional Scouting programs, Learning for Life and Exploring. The principle purpose of all Chicago Area Council programs are to instill positive values and prepare youth for life. To learn more, visit www.chicagobsa.org.
