Join Scouting America Garden State Council at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Wildwoods Convention Center for the 2026 Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Award Reception, an evening celebrating exceptional leaders whose service and leadership have made a lasting impact on Cape May County and beyond.
Led by Event Chair Matt Craig and the Cape May County event committee, this annual event brings together business, civic, and community leaders for an evening of networking, a cocktail reception, dinner, and award presentations, all while supporting local Scouting programs that help prepare young people for future success.
This year, we are proud to honor Assemblyman Antwan L. McClellan, Assemblyman Erik K. Simonsen, and Barbara Stafford Jones, President and CEO of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of their leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening Cape May County.
Your support directly benefits Scouting America Garden State Council, serving more than 4,500 youth annually across southern New Jersey by providing opportunities for adventure, mentorship, personal growth, and experiences that prepare young people for life.
Be part of this special evening as we celebrate outstanding community leadership and invest in the future of Scouting throughout southern New Jersey. To register, become a sponsor, or learn more about supporting the event, please use the registration button below.
2026 HONOREES
If you were unable to attend but would like to support the council, your contribution is always appreciated and can be made here.
2025 Awards Reception Program Book
View the Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Award Reception Photo Gallery
Thank you to this year’s generous Sponsors!
Premier Eagle Sponsor
Gold Life Sponsors
Silver Star Sponsors
Bronze First Class Sponsors
1st Bank of Sea Isle City
Borough of Avalon
Crest Savings Bank
Ford, Scott & Associates
Halliday & Leonard General Contractors
J. Byrne Agency, Inc.
Marsh McLennan Agency LLC
McMahon Agency
Rosenello’s Windows, Siding & Roofing
South Jersey Gas
The First National Bank of Elmer
Past Honorees of the Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Award
| Year | Name |
|---|---|
|
2006 |
Jeff Van Drew |
|
2007 |
Daniel Beyel |
|
2008 |
Thomas Tower* |
|
2009 |
Will Morey |
|
2009 |
Jack Morey |
|
2010 |
Charlie Pessango |
|
2011 |
William Kindle |
|
2011 |
Leonard Desiderio |
|
2012 |
Douglas Heun |
|
2012 |
Veronica Town |
|
2013 |
Jerry Reeves |
|
2013 |
Scott Halliday |
|
2014 |
Jay Ford |
|
2014 |
Brian Broadley |
|
2015 |
Alan Gould |
|
2015 |
Joyce Gould |
|
2015 |
Dave Beyel |
|
2015 |
John Lynch |
| Year | Name |
|---|---|
|
2016 |
Mayor Martin L. Pagliughi |
|
2016 |
Linda Pagliughi |
|
2016 |
James Bennett |
|
2017 |
Jay A. Gillian |
|
2017 |
John Scrapa |
|
2018 |
Curtis Bashaw |
|
2018 |
The McMahon Family |
|
2019 |
Patrick Healey |
|
2019 |
Eustace Mita |
|
2021 |
Larry C. Schmidt |
|
2021 |
The Burke Family |
|
2022 |
Maryanne Adams |
|
2022 |
George C. Robinson |
|
2022 |
Bishop Charles Farrow |
|
2023 |
Dave/Monica Coskey |
|
2023 |
The Mullock Family |
|
2024 |
William Kelly |
|
2024 |
Brendon Sciarra |
|
2025 |
Patrick Rosenello |
|
2025 |
Rita Rothberg |
*Deceased
Development Team Contact
If you would like more information about Garden State Council's Distinguished Citizen Awards and the many ways you can support the mission of Scouting in South Jersey, we invite you to contact us by email.
