By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Mayor Stancil Handley was the host of a benefit breakfast for the Boy Scouts of America held at Columbiana United Methodist Church on Monday, March 9 that raised over $6,000 for the Shelby County District.

Even Major was chairman of the event with keynote speaker University of Alabama Chaplain and former Alabama and NFL football star Jeremiah Castille speaking of the importance of scouting in making future leaders in America.

Troop 560 presented the colors with Denisen Justice giving the invocation.

Eagle Scout Randle Hunt, Troop 560, assisted by Scout A.J. Cole, presented the Heart of the Eagle awards to former Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry, former Shelby County District Attorney Robby Owens, Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego and former Scoutmaster Troop 560 Sid Wheeler.

Hunt spoke on the many accomplishments of each man to the audience of Shelby County citizens, scouts and scout leaders.

“There are over 1,600 Scouts in 51 traditional units in every community of Shelby County,” said a Shelby District 2014 achievement fact sheet. “Scouting is located in every community in Shelby County to make it easier for every youth to attend.”

Over 300 Cub Scouts attended camping activities, Fishing Rodeo at Oak Mountain State Park and Cub Haunted Weekend.

Over 300 Boy Scouts attended long-term summer camps and high adventure camps.

Scouts collected over 8,000 cans of food for Shelby County’s Salvation Army and volunteer thousands of hours.

Last year 69 youth attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest in history.

No child is ever turned away because of financial difficulties.

Local packs and troops are funded by member dues, product sales like popcorn, individual contributions and other money-earning projects approved by the chartered organization. The Shelby District and local council is funded by Friends of Scouting donations, special events as the Mayor’s breakfast, product sales like popcorn, legacies and bequests, foundation grants, United Way, activity fees for special camps and investment and endowment income.

Greater Alabama Council BSA, Shelby District, is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

To be a Friend of Scouting, give online at Lbsa.org, call (205) 970-0251, or mail P.O. Box 43307, Birmingham, AL 35243.