by David Chapman
Staff Writer
A Boy Scout himself and eventually an Eagle Scout, Robert Jacoby said he was outraged when he learned there were teens in the region who couldn’t afford to take part in the program.
He and his wife, Monica, have ensured money won’t be an obstacle for those teen any longer.
Wednesday, the two presented a gift of $1 million to the Boy Scouts of America’s North Florida Council, a gift Jack Sears, BSA North Florida Council scout executive and CEO, said will assist up to 700 children a year.
The gift will go to an endowment that will fund uniforms, handbooks, supplies, camping scholarships and other aspects of the Boy Scouts program for male teens that reside in subsidized housing and urban areas — expenses some teens couldn’t afford.
“I got outraged,” said Jacoby, when he learned of the burden to participate.
“Every young man should have an opportunity and a lack of money shouldn’t stand in their way.”
Jacoby said he is often questioned on why the Boy Scouts and the timing of the donation, but answers his love for the organization and need for such assistance to help teens in need made it a worthwhile effort.
“It’s that simple,” he said.
The $1 million will be a part of the $6.5 million “Every Boy Deserves a Chance” capital campaign, which is chaired by Barry Allred, Elkins Construction Inc. chair and CEO.
Allred said the gift will help many teens who once didn’t have the resources receive the “life changing experience” being a scout affords and will assist the ScoutReach program “for the next 100 years.”
The presentation was Downtown at the Police Memorial Building. One of the Boy Scouts’ biggest supporters, Sheriff John Rutherford, said programs like it affect the crime rate by teaching children and teens values and keeping them out of trouble.
Sears agreed.
“We’re working hard to make sure you don’t have to work as hard,” Sears told the crowd, many of whom were uniformed officers.
The North Florida Council serves more than 17,000 youths in 17 counties of Northeast Florida and has more than 6,500 adult volunteers.
It also has partnerships with more than 500 faith-based and civic organizations. Close to 700 youth from urban areas are enrolled in the ScoutReach program.
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