Historic Donation Goes to North Texas Boy Scout Council

DALLAS, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas husband-and-wife philanthropists Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones today announced a $25 million donation from their foundation to the Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

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It's the largest gift ever made to a regional council of the Boy Scouts of America and the second-largest individual donation ever made to the BSA organization.

"We think this is the right gift to the right group," said Mr. Rees-Jones, "the Boy Scouts of America are part of the service-first fabric of this country and we want to invest in the next generation of young leaders."

The donation will help launch the local council's $90 million Centennial Campaign in celebration of Circle Ten's 100-year anniversary in 2011. Specifically, the gift will establish the Trevor Rees-Jones ScoutReach Endowment Program for at-risk youth, and pay for capital improvements at the council's four camp properties. ScoutReach is a BSA program designed to reach rural and urban areas.

"The vision that Jan and Trevor have will allow Circle Ten to provide a first-class outdoor experience at our campsites," said Centennial Board Chairman Rex W. Tillerson in announcing the gift today. "Their generosity will open up the Scouting program for youth who might not otherwise be able to participate." Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation, also serves as BSA's National President.

Last year, Circle Ten ScoutReach programs served approximately 7500 boys who needed financial assistance to participate in Scouting. The Council spent approximately $1.4 million in direct cost toward this effort. Circle Ten leaders say the new ScoutReach endowment will ensure the program's viability for years to come.

"Supporting this campaign is about more than helping the Scouts of today," said Circle Ten Board President Sherwood Blount, Jr., "it's really about securing the future of Scouting for the kids of tomorrow."

Trevor Rees-Jones is an Eagle Scout from Troop 70 in University Park and remembers attending the National Jamboree as a Scout. "I recognize the important role Scouting played in my life," said Rees-Jones, "and we want other young men in our community to have the same experience, especially those facing economic obstacles."

The Rees-Jones Foundation is a private charitable organization established by the family primarily to benefit the people of North Texas. The Foundation's mission is to provide support and funding for programs that will help improve the quality of life and circumstances of the people it serves, with special emphasis on assisting children and their families.

SOURCE Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America