Welcome to the Prepared. For Life. Celebration hosted by the Scouting America Garden State Council.
Tonight, we are honored to gather with leaders, supporters, sponsors, and friends from across South Jersey for a special evening celebrating service, leadership, and the values that have helped shape our nation for 250 years.
As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, we are reminded that the future of our communities depends on preparing the next generation to lead with character, serve others, and make a positive difference. That is the mission of Scouting.
Each year, the Garden State Council serves thousands of young people across South Jersey through outdoor adventure, mentorship, teamwork, and community service. These experiences help youth build confidence, responsibility, resilience, and leadership skills that last a lifetime.
Tonight, we are also proud to recognize outstanding honorees whose generosity, leadership, and commitment to others have expanded opportunities for young people through Scouting. Their example reflects the spirit of this celebration.
We are grateful to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests whose support makes this work possible.
Thank you for joining us and for investing in the future of our youth and communities. Enjoy the evening.
Yours in Scouting,
Jason W. Miller President
Garden
State Council Board of Directors
Patrick Linfors Scout Executive and CEO
Garden State Council
Pat Purdy Commissioner
Garden
State Council Board of Directors
Rick Wright Vice President of Fund Development
Garden State Council Board of Directors
Prepared. For Life. Celebration Chair
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Scouting America Garden State Council is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
THE SCOUT OATH
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.
THE SCOUT LAW
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
THE SCOUT MOTTO
Be Prepared.
EVENT PROGRAM
6:00 PM
Cocktail & Mocktail Reception
Silent Auction
Master of Ceremonies
John Paul
Co-Anchor, 6abc Action News at Noon
Eagle Scout
7:30PM
Welcome Remarks
Jason W. Miller
President, Garden State Council Board of Directors
Eagle Scout
Opening Ceremony
Delores King
Eagle Scout, Troop 397G, Browns Mills, NJ Air Force JROTC
Featured Scout Speaker
Michael Wiser
Eagle Scout, Troop 2022, Lumberton, NJ
LIVE APPEAL
8:00 PM - Dinner
North Star Award Presentation
Frank Giordano | A.J. Kreimer | Marc A. Rollo
Winthrop Rockefeller Award Presentation
Charles Allen | Ed and Pat Purdy
Closing Remarks
Patrick Linfors
Scout Executive and CEO, Garden State Council
Eagle Scout
Live Music & Dancing
The Petti’s
Auction Closes at 9 PM
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
John Paul Co-Anchor, 6abc Action News at Noon Eagle Scout
John Paul joined the Action News team in August 2022 as an anchor and reporter.
He came to Philadelphia from Charlotte, North Carolina where he anchored the morning, noon, and 7:00 P.M. broadcasts. He has covered everything from hurricanes to presidential visits and has received numerous awards for his work.
When he’s not working, John loves to visit small towns with his family, play disc golf, and find unique restaurants. As an Eagle Scout, he loves to explore nature and hike.
John started his television journey when he was just 16 years old as part of a Cable Access video club in memory of a fellow high school student killed in a crash. John has been involved in television ever since.
John grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He majored in Journalism at Western Michigan University, graduating in 2005. He has three daughters, a dog named Scarlett, and a Maine Coon cat named Fritz.
“ Scouting builds confidence, responsibility, and strong communication skills. It’s been a great experience filled with growth and friendships.
– Gabriel C., Parent, Troop 161
OPENING CEREMONY
Delores King
Eagle Scout, Troop 397G, Browns Mills, NJ Air Force JROTC
Delores King plans to attend Rider University, where she intends to major in Biochemistry and enroll in ROTC, with the goal of serving as an Army officer in the Medical Corps.
Delores has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth leadership and service. She volunteered at Cub Scout Day Camp for six years and served as a Den Chief for her local pack for three years. In Scouting America, she served as a Troop Guide for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) in 2025 and will serve as Senior Patrol Leader of Program for NYLT 2026. She also volunteered for two years as a Camp Aide at a Girl Scout camp.
At her school, Delores has excelled in the JROTC program. She served as Assistant to the Supply Officer during her freshman year, Supply Officer during her sophomore and junior years, and now serves as Executive Officer, the senior staff leadership position. She is also a leader on several competitive teams, serving as Leadership and Academic Bowl Commander, two-year Inspection Commander, and Unarmed Division Commander for the National Drill Team.
Delores has earned numerous honors for leadership, academics, and service across JROTC, Girl Scouts, and school activities. In Girl Scouts, she has earned both the Bronze Award and Silver Award and is currently working toward the prestigious Gold Award. She has also received school recognition, including Student of the Month, Distinguished Honor Roll, and the People’s Choice Award.
FEATURED SCOUT SPEAKER
Michael Wiser
Eagle Scout, Troop 2022, Lumberton, NJ
Michael Scott Wiser, 17, is a junior in high school and a member of Troop 22 in Lumberton, New Jersey. He aspires to attend one of the United States Military Service Academies and has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, service, and personal growth.
Throughout his Scouting journey, Michael has served in key youth leadership roles including Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader, helping guide fellow Scouts and strengthen his troop community. In October 2025, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
For his Eagle Scout service project, Michael led the rerouting and improvement of a section of the Blue Trail at Brendan T. Byrne State Park. His project enhanced safety for hikers, improved access to nature, and helped preserve the park for future visitors.
Michael credits Scouting with helping him build confidence, resilience, communication skills, and a strong commitment to service. Beyond Scouting, he is active in Civil Air Patrol and his school’s NJROTC, where he holds high-level leadership positions. He is featured this evening as an example of a young person truly Prepared. For Life.
NORTH STAR AWARD HONOREE
Frank Giordano
President & CEO
Atlantic Trailer Leasing Corporation
Frank was the founding Executive Director of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, also known as America 250, established by Congress to oversee the national planning and orchestration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in 2026. Frank led in the creation and implementation of the Commission’s nationwide strategic plan, the formation of the organization’s operational infrastructure, and its subsequent launch.
Frank is also President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Trailer Leasing Corporation, a transportation and storage equipment company that has been in the Giordano family since 1949.
He has served the public through his leadership and personal philanthropy in many leading Philadelphia-area institutions. Among numerous governance roles and memberships in area organizations, Frank is a former member of the Rowan University Board of Trustees, and a current member of the Rutgers University School of Business Dean’s Leadership Council. He is also the honorary consul for the sovereign nation of Malta to Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is President Emeritus of The Philly POPS. While under Frank’s leadership as President of the Philly POPS, the POPS experienced unprecedented growth and became a celebrated mainstay of Philadelphia’s arts scene.
Frank has received many honors and awards for his work, including the prestigious Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, awarded by the Ambassador of Italy; the Philadelphia Business Hall of Fame Award; the Philadelphia Music Alliance’s inaugural Platinum Award; and a City Council of Philadelphia Citation. He is also a past President of the Burlington County Boy Scouts of America. Since the Burlington County BSA’s merger with the Garden State Council, Frank has personally hosted their three most successful fundraisers to date.
As Chairman of Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia, Frank instituted a range of programs to benefit underserved constituencies. As Chairman of the Abraham Lincoln Foundation, Frank raised $10 million to open the Sir John Templeton Heritage Center, providing the public with access to the Union League of Philadelphia’s archive of significant historic materials. Along with his wife, Dottie, Frank endowed the Frank and Dottie Giordano Responsibility Scholarship, designed to financially support working Rutgers University–Camden students while they gain business experience in unpaid internships, as well as the Frank and Dorothy Giordano Business Experiential Fund to provide Rowan University business students with the opportunity to learn by experience. Born in South Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, Frank is a graduate of Rutgers University and resides with his wife, Dottie, in Moorestown, New Jersey.
NORTH STAR AWARD HONOREE
A.J. Kreimer
Associate Professor of Practice in Accounting
Temple University Fox School of Business
A.J. Kreimer is a distinguished educator, business leader, and lifelong volunteer whose leadership, service, and philanthropy have strengthened numerous organizations and communities.
A.J. serves as Associate Professor of Practice in Accounting at Temple University’s Fox School of Business, where he has mentored students and prepared future leaders through excellence in teaching and professional guidance.
A Certified Public Accountant and accomplished executive, A.J. has built a successful career spanning accounting, finance, real estate, and corporate management. Through Hartwell Realty Corporation and prior leadership roles in the financial sector, he has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to sound stewardship, strategic growth, and ethical leadership.
His dedication to public service includes more than a decade as an elected member of the Moorestown Board of Education, where he chaired the budget and finance committee. He has also provided leadership to numerous nonprofit, educational, and charitable organizations.
A proud Eagle Scout, A.J. has devoted decades of volunteer leadership to Scouting at the local, regional, and national levels. He is a past President of the Burlington County Council and continues to serve on the Garden State Council Board and Camp Corporation.
Among his many honors, A.J. has received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award and the Silver Antelope Award for distinguished service to youth.
NORTH STAR AWARD HONOREE
Marc A. Rollo President
Archer & Greiner, P.C.
Marc A. Rollo is President of Archer & Greiner, P.C. and Chair of the firm’s Environmental Law Practice. A highly respected attorney and strategic leader, Marc is recognized nationally for guiding clients through complex environmental litigation, regulatory matters, and high-stakes disputes with integrity, skill, and a results-driven approach.
Known as a consensus builder and trusted advisor, Marc has successfully represented major companies in matters involving environmental remediation, natural resource damages, product liability, and multi-party litigation. His ability to navigate challenging legal and technical issues has earned the confidence of clients, colleagues, and agencies alike.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Marc has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic leadership and community service. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and has long supported youth, recreation, and community-based organizations throughout South Jersey.
Marc’s dedication to Scouting has helped strengthen opportunities for young people across the region through leadership, advocacy, and philanthropy.
Through his example of professional excellence, generosity, and community engagement, Marc continues to make a lasting impact.
Charles Allen
Senior Vice President and Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Morgan Stanley
Charles Allen is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley in Vineland, New Jersey. An Eagle Scout and lifelong Scouter, Charles has demonstrated a deep commitment to leadership, service, and youth development throughout South Jersey.
He remains actively involved in Scouting as Committee Chair of Pack 238, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 33, and Venturing Crew Advisor for Crew 38. Charles also serves on the Executive Board of the Garden State Council and has held key volunteer leadership roles, including Assistant District Commissioner and Co-Chair of the Council’s Trust and Endowment Committee. In addition, he is Co-Chair of the Cumberland & Salem Counties Distinguished Citizens Award Reception and serves on the committee for the Council’s annual Sporting Clays Tournament.
Beyond Scouting, Charles is a past President and Trustee of the Mannington Township Ruritan Club, reflecting his longstanding dedication to community service and civic engagement.
Charles resides in Pilesgrove with his wife, Stephanie, and their two children, Samuel and Josephine.
Ed and Pat Purdy
Ed and Pat Purdy began their Scouting journey through the involvement of their sons, Daniel and Matthew, and quickly became dedicated volunteers whose leadership and service have impacted generations of young people. Their early commitment to Pack 116 in Pennsauken included countless hours supporting meetings, activities, and family programs. Ed assisted with events such as the Pinewood Derby and Space Derby, while Pat served as a Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos leader.
When their sons crossed over to Troop 118 in Merchantville, Pat and Ed continued their service. Ed served as troop treasurer for several years, while Pat became committee chair. The Purdy family embraced the outdoor adventure of Scouting, camping regularly, and creating lasting memories with their children, Daniel, Matthew, and Cori.
Professionally, Ed built an accomplished career in engineering and technology. He earned degrees from Rutgers University–Camden and Stevens Institute of Technology and retired from Lockheed Martin after serving as a Senior Member of Engineering on naval radar programs. He later continued as a consultant before fully retiring in 2019. He also generously supported Scouting by maintaining the Southern New Jersey Council website for several years.
Pat has provided volunteer leadership across four councils: Camden, Southern New Jersey, Middle Tennessee, and Garden State. Her many roles have included District Chair, Council Friends of Scouting Chair, event chair, Council President, Vice President of District Operations, and Council Commissioner. Professionally, Pat built a successful career in the legal industry, specializing in marketing technology before retiring in March 2026.
Together, Pat and Ed exemplify lifelong dedication to Scouting, family, and community service.
COMMITTEE
Rick Wright, Chair
Joseph Cleary
Glenn Davila
Allison Eckel
Al Garcia
Tammy Garrison
Timothy Guim
Celebration
David Kryszczak
Chip Miller
Jason Miller
Christine Mohan
Pat Purdy
Debra Rosen
Dustin Tarditi
With sincere gratitude, we thank our volunteer committee for their leadership, generosity, and countless efforts in making tonight’s celebration possible. Your dedication helps ensure more young people across South Jersey benefit from the life-changing impact of Scouting.
Garden State Council
SCOUTREACH
ScoutReach is Garden State Council’s targeted initiative that expands access to Scouting for youth in underserved communities by delivering programs directly in schools and community-based organizations. Through ScoutReach, young people gain the same life-changing benefits of Scouting, including leadership development, character growth, teamwork, outdoor adventure, and positive adult mentorship.
The program removes financial and logistical barriers so every child can participate fully, regardless of family income. Support helps provide uniforms, registration, handbooks, program supplies, transportation, summer camp opportunities, and trained staff who lead weekly programming.
Because of generous donors, Garden State Council’s ScoutReach program now serves more than 500 youth through 26 programs across South Jersey, with continued expansion into additional communities. For many participants, ScoutReach provides their first experience with camping, nature, and outdoor adventure, opening doors to confidence, leadership, and life-changing opportunities.
Your investment helps ensure that every young person has the opportunity to build confidence, learn responsibility, and become Prepared. For Life.
SPONSORS INDEPENDENCE
FOUNDERS
MICHAEL AND MARIETTA BORINSKI
GREGG AND BARBARA SCHULZE CHARITABLE FUND
PATRIOT
CHARLES ALLEN
AUCTION DONORS
Auction Donors
Archer & Greiner, P.C.
Michael and Marietta Borinski
Castaways Against Cancer
Rick DeMichele
Allison Eckel
Edelman Fossil Park & Musuem of Rowan University
Funplex
John Galati
Tammy Garrison
Timothy Guim
Kristi Howell
Chuck and Sue Jaxel
Kiwi Yogurt
Liberty Lakes Day Camp
Outright Gift Donors
Bowman & Company, LLP
Robert Dwyer
Kathleen Farinaccio
Deanna Keough
Thomas McCormick
Christine and Michael Mohan
Moorestown Theater Company
Morey’s Piers
Ed and Pat Purdy
Raising Cane’s
Randall’s Restaurant
Sciacca Upholstering & Design Center
Laurie Shand
South Jersey Gas
Dustin and Cheryl Tarditi
The First National Bank of Elmer Visit South Jersey
Rick Wright
YMCA of the Pines
Zallie’s Community Foundation
Robert Morris
Laurie Shand
Rex A. Van Veldhuisen
Paul J. Villari
Gregg and Barbara Schulze
“ Scouting means meeting new people and trying new things. One of my favorite trips was Gettysburg.
– Preston E., Scout, Pack 1721
CONGRATULATIONS
to the outstanding honorees!
You have expanded opportunities for young people through Scouting.
Mike and Christine Mohan
Congratulations TO OUR HONOREES
Thank you for your leadership, generosity, and support of Scouting. Your impact helps strengthen young people and communities across South Jersey.
With appreciation, Rick Wright
Congratulations to Frank Giordano on this well-deserved recognition.
“ Scouting is talking to people and hearing about their adventures. Camping is one of my favorite parts.
– Victoria G., Scout, Troop 3177
CONGRATULATIONS
Frank Giordano
On receiving the SCOUTING AMERICA GARDEN STATE COUNCIL NORTH STAR AWARD on behalf of JIM & JANINE DONNELLY AND THE ENTIRE ASL TEAM
EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Charles
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
David
Hon.
Justin Dickey
William Freitag
Carl Gaskill
John
Hon.
Richard
Carol
Theodore
John
Eric Sjogren
John Sloat
Chloe
INVEST IN THE FUTURE PREPARED. FOR LIFE.
Your support tonight helps young people across South Jersey build confidence, character, leadership, and life skills through Scouting. Every gift creates opportunity.
$500 $250 SENDS ONE SCOUT TO A WEEK OF SUMMER CAMP PROVIDES ONE YOUTH THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN SCOUTING FOR A FULL YEAR THROUGH SCOUTREACH
$100 ASSISTS A FAMILY IN NEED WITH REGISTRATION COSTS
Every gift—at any level—makes a meaningful difference. Raise your bidder number during tonight’s live appeal.
5,400+ LOCAL IMPACT
150 500+ YOUTH SERVED ANNUALLY EAGLE SCOUTS LAST YEAR YOUTH REACHED THROUGH SCOUTREACH SCAN THE QR CODE TO MAKE A DONATION
