July 2014

Dear Friend of Scouting,

This will be my last solicitation to you. After 35 years on the Committee and 25 years as President, I am officially retiring.

I am passing the President’s baton to the able hands of Dr. Howard Rakov, who has been on the committee since its inception. He will be assisted by Chris Higgins as head of a new Maintenance Committee and Howard Sklar who will be increasing his involvement as Treasurer. Marty Rego will continue as Secretary and head-up our fundraising efforts.

The need remains great for your financial assistance to help us continue our missions of service to youth and the growth of Scouting in the local community.  It was a tough winter on the cabin; we’re spending thousands to repair the damage done by all of the ice, snow, and cold we suffered.  And as we reported last year, one of our major sources of income is gone.  The Bronxville Summer Camp, which for years rented out the Scout Cabin for the summer, is out of business.

These factors, and the continued robust health of our scouting units, put a financial stress on the Cabin.  While our expenses increase, the demand for Scouting is greater than ever, especially from underprivileged boys. But the costs of maintenance, repairs, and upkeep continue to mount.

The Bronxville Scout Committee does not receive any outside support towards our annual operating expenses, which, due to increases in the costs of energy, insurance, and maintenance, easily exceed over $35,000 each year. Besides dues paid by the Scouts, our only outside income is from the weekend rentals of the cabin, and this fundraising letter.

In spite of our financial challenges, there is plenty of good news in local Scouting:  in the last several years, over sixteen young men from the three Boy Scout Troops that make their home in our cabin have earned the high honor of Eagle Scout. These young men have now gone off to college.  They are carrying their Scout values with them on their road to becoming future leaders, fathers, and role models.

Every year, hundreds of other Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts come our way. In the safety of our wonderful Scout Cabin, and out in nature under the supervision of our experienced adult leaders, these boys and young men are sheltered from the many distractions and bad influences of our world. They’re learning Scout values.

Many of these boys and young men would not have the opportunity to benefit from Scouting without your support. Besides Bronxville and Eastchester, many of our Scouts hail from the diverse communities of Mt. Vernon and Yonkers.  The modest cost of Scouting is simply beyond the means of many of their families. Were it not for your support, it would be impossible for our Committee to serve these youngsters.  It is far too costly.

Don’t you think the world needs more of Scouting? Can we rely on your generous help in supporting the Scouting mission?

To those of you who have previously donated to us, we are most grateful for your loyal support of Scouting in our area. To past donors, and to new ones, we turn to you today to ask for your help. Please assist us in our mission to continue to provide the high level of services we give to hundreds of Scouts, and their dozens of adult leaders, each and every year.

Can you offer a tax-deductible donation today to support your local Scouts? We assure you that your gift will be carefully used to benefit the many boys and young men of your local community who have chosen to pursue the noble path of Scouting.

As I look back on my 35 years on the Bronxville Scout Committee, I have immense pride and satisfaction over what we have accomplished. Together – you, our benefactors, our dedicated adult scout leaders, and of course, our fine young men – have accomplished wonderful things. We’ve kept the Scouting Spirit thriving in our community. And our country is a better place because of it.

But this couldn’t have happened without your support.

God Bless America,

Joseph N. Stineman, President

Bronxville Scout Committee