— Go Steelers!!!!!

I had to get that out of the way first. ...

As the 2011 chairman of the Greater Johnstown Partners for Scouting Campaign, I’d like to give you an update on our progress.

We are making major strides toward our goal.

We are currently knocking on the door of $70,000 in donations, but we need your help to reach our goal of $150,000.

The culmination of this fundraising event will take place on Feb 24 at the Frank Pasquerilla Conference Center in downtown Johnstown.

That’s when the 41st Harry E. Mangle Dinner will be held. 

We will honor Joyce Murtha with the Distinguished Citizen Award. And our guest speaker this year will be a member of the Steelers organization!

As a parent of an Eagle Scout, I’ve seen firsthand the impact this organization has on the lives of these young men – during and after the Scouting experience.

This impact is immense and life-guiding.

Consider these principles that are taught to our young men as they participate in the Scouting program:

“On my honor, I will do my best

“To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;

“To help other people at all times;

“To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”

They are taught to “Be Prepared.”

They are encouraged to practice the Scout slogan of “Do a Good Turn Daily.”

What parent wouldn’t want his or her son to be taught these principles?

Scouts learn by doing. They are taught to learn from doing. 

The money you donate to this worthy cause provides services and support to all Scouting programs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and portions of Armstrong, Huntingdon and Westmorland counties.

No donation is too small; 91 cents of every dollar received goes directly to support area Scouting programs.

Please find it in your heart to donate what you can.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep the programs of Scouting alive and well.

Your donation will ensure continued service to more than 5,000 youths.

Please take a minute now and send what you can directly to my office here at The Tribune-Democrat.

You can send your tax-deductible donation to:



Penn’s Woods Council

Boy Scouts of America

C/O The Tribune-Democrat/Boy Scouts

425 Locust St., Johnstown, Pa. 15907-0340



I will make sure your donation makes it to the Penn’s Woods headquarters ASAP.

I would also like to honor your donation by publishing your name in our weekly update goal thermometer.

We will not be listing donation amounts.

Please, please support the Boy Scouts of America. This fine organization teaches values and principles that will serve your/our young men for the rest of their lives.

We can’t do this without your help and support.

Thank you.



Robin L. Quillon is the publisher of The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at rquillon@tribdem.com.