The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America celebrated four Rhode Island business leaders for their civic engagement and dedication to improving the lives of youth at the annual Scoutreach Service Awards Luncheon on November 29 at Hope Events on Main in Pawtucket. The annual luncheon recognizes outstanding service by an individual or organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of character building opportunities for youth. This year’s luncheon raised $23,000 in support of disadvantaged youth within the Council’s Scoutreach program.

Michael Traficante of Cranston, director of Governmental Affairs at New England Laborers’ Labor-Management Cooperation Trust received the George Meany Award for his lifetime commitment to developing skilled trade opportunities for youth and service as a Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America Board Member.

Grace Gonzalez of Smithfield, manager of membership outreach at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island received the Vale la Peña Service Award for the impact she has made to the community and Latino families by ensuring access to wellness programs.

Chanda Womack of Providence, executive director at the Alliance of Rhode Island Southeast Asians for Education (ARISE) received the Asian American Spirit of Scouting Service Award for her commitment to uplifting underserved youth through the promotion of therapeutic dialogue.

Junior Jabbie of Providence, president and CEO of Banneker Industries received the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award for his dedication to underserved urban youth and promotion of intercultural connections and interdependence.

“Honoring the people who make our community better is extremely important to the Narragansett Council,” said Tim McCandless, scout executive and CEO of the Narragansett Council. “These individuals are outstanding and unsung

community leaders who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in Southeastern New England. Their work to make our communities better places goes mostly unnoticed, but the luncheon was our chance to highlight their work and to say thank you.”

“We recognized Grace, Junior, Michael and Chanda for their dedication to improving opportunities for youth. Each honoree exemplifies the best traditions and values of the Scout Oath and Law,” said Ed Broderick, president and CEO of Gilbane, Inc., and the executive board president of the Narragansett Council.

“They have been recognized by their peers as having made a significant impact on the lives of our youth over the course of their tenure in community service. Their commitment to public service is something we aim to instill in all Scouts, and we hope to have many follow in their footsteps,” he added.

Proceeds from the event will directly support the Narragansett Council’s nationally acclaimed Scoutreach Program. The program aids over 1,200 low-income and disadvantaged youth enrolled in 46 Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting locations throughout Attleboro, Central Falls, Fall River, New

Bedford, Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket, and accommodates additional families as needed throughout Southern New England.