prestigious annual fundraising event
Golden Eagle Dinner: A Night to Remember!
Mark Your Calendar: April 29, 6–8:30 p.m.
Hosted at Florida Tech in Melbourne, this year’s gala will be a blend of sparkle and genuine tribute.
Who’s in the Spotlight?
- Bill Jurgens – Athletic Director Emeritus of Florida Institute of Technology. His legacy of sweat, spirit, and sporting excellence has shaped countless student‑athletes.
- The Shah Family of Southeast Petro – A powerhouse of service, they’ve poured commitment and leadership into community projects that make a real difference.
Chairing the Vibe
Bart Gaetjens, the retired External Affairs Manager at Florida Power & Light Company, is steering this evening of inspiration. His knack for bringing people together sets the tone.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just another charity ball; it’s the Central Florida Council’s flagship fundraiser. Every ticket bought and every donation donated fuels the next generation of scouts, providing youth with experiences that shape character, confidence, and camaraderie.
Join the Celebration
From corporate leaders to aunts and uncles of scouts, everyone is invited to raise a glass, share a laugh, and celebrate the enduring impact of scouting. Let’s make sure more kids get a chance to shine on the field, in community service, and in life.
Celebrating a Legend: The 2024 Golden Eagle Dinner
Bill Jurgens, former Athletic Director at Florida Institute of Technology and a lifelong Scout, takes center stage. Alongside him stands the hometown hero family, the Shahs of Southeast Petro, for their extraordinary service and leadership.
Why Bill Rocks
- Sprouted from Scouting – Bill first tumbled into the world of outdoor adventure with Troop 323 in Melbourne. The camp days at La-No-Che ignited a fire that still burns brightly.
- Academic to Athletic – A Jacksonville University degree was the launchpad, but the trajectory? Pure sports brilliance. For over four decades, he steered Florida Tech’s athletics like a seasoned captain charting stormy seas.
- Champion of Giving – When he was District Chairman for Riverside, Scouting America, he earned that shiny District Award of Merit. Add roles with US Rowing, Dad Vail Regatta, and Melbourne Chamber, and you’ve got a résumé that reads like a hall of fame list.
- Hall of Fame Delight – From Florida Tech to Space Coast Sports, the plaques are piling up. The city of Melbourne even declared him their “Exceptional Citizen.”
- Family First – 50 years with Susy and a jukey family – his personal headline. He says that’s the real trophy.
Humor and Heart
Picture a man who manages to juggle coaching pep talks, rowing regatta logistics, and the occasional stubborn parking spot at the university gym. He’s still pulling off the “man of the hour” moment, making everyone feel like part of the trailblazing pack.
Through mentorship, he inspires the next-gen leaders. His legacy isn’t just in trophies; it’s in the stories shared at coffee tables and the countless “You’ve got this” iPhones snapped during sunsets back at Camp La-No-Che.
The Takeaway
Bill Jurgens embodies the spirit of Scouting – service, perseverance, and a pinch of humor. His journey reminds us that leadership is as much about building communities as it is about achieving personal milestones.
Central Florida Council’s Golden Eagle Dinner
Mark your calendars: April 29 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Florida Tech in Melbourne. The Central Florida Council of Scouting America is thrilled to host the annual Golden Eagle Dinner, an evening of celebration, camaraderie, and impeccable dining.
Honoring the Shah Family & Southeast Petro
In this year’s edition, Scouting America is proud to honor Southeast Petro as its Corporate Honoree. The company’s legacy of strong business acumen and community service sets a shining example for scouts and leaders alike.
From a Single Gas Station to a Regional Powerhouse
It all started in 1980, when Mike and Rashmi Shah opened a single fuel stop in Cocoa, Florida. Today, Southeast Petro powers more than 400 independently owned stations and employs over 200 people. Under the stewardship of their children, Summit (now President) and Monica (Vice President & Treasurer), the firm has branched into hospitality, entertainment, and real‑estate while staying true to its core values: honesty, integrity, and a relentless focus on service.
Community‑Focused Success
- Philanthropy is at the heart of everything they do.
- They partner with local causes and initiatives that elevate community life.
- Their motto? “Real success is measured by growth and the positive impact on the communities we serve.”
Scouting America proudly celebrates Southeast Petro’s leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to building character and service‑mindful leaders among youths.
Save Your Spot—Get an Invitation
Want to attend? Reach out to Charis Peterson, District Executive at charis.peterson@cflscouting.org. Let’s make your evening unforgettable!
Explore Sponsorship Opportunities
Looking to support local scouting? Check out how you can sponsor the Golden Eagle Dinner and contribute to youth training. Every dollar goes toward adventure, leadership, and community engagement.
About the Central Florida Council
In 2024, the Central Florida Council served over 17,000 youths with the help of more than 4,000 dedicated adult leaders across seven Central Florida counties. As one of the nation’s largest youth‑serving organizations, Scouting America delivers top‑notch programs focused on character development, citizenship, and values‑based leadership training.
We’re all about adventure, leadership, and fostering a spirit of service. For more details, visit CFLscouting.org
Hot Off the Press: Space Coast Daily News Unveils the Ultimate Local Scoop!
March 10, 2025 – Space Coast Daily – The latest edition of the Space Coast Daily News just dropped a stellar lineup that’s sure to make the entire Brevard County swoon. Grab your coffee (or a rocket fuel refill) and dive into the freshest stories, because we’re putting the “fun” back in “news.”
What’s Flying Out of the Press These Days?
- New App Launch – The newspaper’s shiny new mobile app is now live, featuring instant notifications, offline reading, and a playful “Space Snacks” trivia section.
- Community Spotlight – A shout‑out to the “Heroes of the Heli‑gators”, who’ve been saving the local wetlands, one frog at a time.
- Space Launch Updates – Get the inside scoop on last night’s propulsion launch – yes, it was smooth, no black hole drama.
- Local Eats – A roundup of the week’s best taco trucks and the hidden gem pizza place that doesn’t charge by the slice.
Why You’ll Love This New Format
Much like a good coffee blend, this new edition mixes a dash of humor with a sprinkle of heartfelt journalism:
- Humorous headlines that keep you laughing while staying on point.
- Personal anecdotes that bring the community right into the story.
- Interactive polls so you can actually influence the next article’s angle.
Drop Your Thoughts!
We’re listening – drop your comments on social media or via our app. Let us know which piece made your day, and we’ll keep delivering that golden news content you love.
Stay tuned, stay curious, and keep rocking that generous Space Coast vibe – the best newspaper in Brevard County is just getting started!