Investing in Character

Hello!

We're participating in this year’s 44th Annual Sports Breakfast to raise money for Denver Area Council Boy Scouts of America. This replaces the Investment in Character Family Campaign that the BSA does every year, and this year we get to hear Steve Atwater - our brand new, Denver Broncos Hall of Fame Inductee! I've already been on a call with him, and he's a lot of fun. And he really seems to like what he has seen so far of DAC facilities and programs.

This is my Team Captain's page for T324B/T324G/S324. You can also leave a message about why you decided to donate – I’d love to hear from you!

If you can think of others who might be interested in making a donation, please forward this link to them or share it on social media! Denver Area Council Boy Scouts of America is a great organization and you’d be helping all of us by spreading the word.

Why do we do this every year? Because the Denver Area Council (DAC) spends upwards of $300 per Scout every year to provide programs, facilities, and help. Popcorn and camp cards were pretty much slapped down this year due to COVID, and with qll of the budget shortfalls, the rangers were laid off at Tahosa and PV, as well as a big chunk of the council's support staff. It isn't like the DAC folks are taking money baths - the budget is always pretty tight. This year is worse. This is not money that goes to the National Council. It does not pay for the lawsuits against the National Council. This is strictly used to keep our council funded - think Tahosa, Peaceful Valley, Magness, CAP, and HQ, as well as all the help that we always receive around rechartering, advancement, Camporees, Klondike derbies, summer camps, and anything else! And this year, you have some options as far as where your money goes:

Regular Investment in Character: Your support will increase both the ability to expand the impact on the youth already involved in Scouting, as well as reach new families and new communities to grow Scouting’s impact even further. Join us in making a difference in the lives of youth today.
COVID-19 Family Relief Fund: With the COVID-19 crisis, many families are making difficult financial and health decisions when it comes to involvement in activities and strained to find positive outlets for kids. This fund will help lift that burden and make Scouting possible to families that are experiencing hardship from COVID-19.
LeAP: The DAC has a 108-year history of providing Scouting programs to all youth regardless of financial circumstances. Our Leadership Assistance Program (LeAP) specifically works with families who are affected by social and economic hardships. LeAP provides these opportunities in a fun afterschool program environment to support families that are struggling to make ends meet and with children often identified as at-risk.
Western Slope Scouting: Scouting has a long legacy in Western Colorado and while many Scout units are vibrant, strong, and providing quality programs to local youth, expanding our reach to youth in many other rural communities who do not have access to positive character and leadership development programs is of critical importance. And with everything out there getting hit by wildfire, they need all the help they can get.

I will be hosting watch parties - several of them - to try to help keep our council going. strong.

I'll do a virtual watch party for donors who contribute $150 or more.
I'll host an in-person watch party and dinner at my home, complete with specially-curated adult beverages, for donors who contribute $500 or more.
The top donors (besides me) from Troop 324B, Troop 324G, and Sea Scout Ship 324 will also get homemade bacon - one Costco pork belly's worth.

Thank you so much for helping us reach our goal, and for supporting Denver Area Council Boy Scouts of America. We couldn’t do it without you!

Sincerely,
Ray LaFrance
Troops & Ship 324 Committee Chair
ralfg33k@comcast.net