Boy Scouts to honor Community Foundation for the Alleghenies chief Mike Kane at Mangle dinner

Kelly Urban, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·3 min read

Oct. 16—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The Boy Scouts of America's Laurel Highlands Council will honor Mike Kane, president and executive director of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, with its Distinguished Citizen Award at the annual Harry E. Mangle Memorial Dinner.

A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 26, followed by a dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Convention Center, 301 Napoleon St., downtown Johnstown.

Mark Pasquerilla, honorary chairman, said Kane's leadership is evident throughout the region.

"Not only is he a renowned leader, he also has given back to the community through a variety of regional initiatives," he said. "Mike is a community leader who recognizes the value of service to others."

Pasquerilla said Kane's leadership is a positive example for others, especially the youth of the region.

"The Laurel Highlands Council, Boy Scouts of America, is grateful to have this opportunity to recognize him for his outstanding community leadership and service," he said.

Kane has been with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies since 2001 and has worked with thousands of donors in Bedford, Cambria, Somerset and Indiana counties. He has served on the boards of various organizations in support of philanthropy, community and economic development, conservation, the arts and education.

"I'm very appreciative and honored," Kane said. "I also think by recognizing me, they're really recognizing the Community Foundation and the work of the foundation.

"The Boy Scouts have been such an important part of our community, and to be able to be there and make the connection between the way the scouts work to grow community leaders and then talk about the work of the Community Foundation is kind of a natural fit."

He said that Boy Scouting is an avenue for youth to broaden their world.

"Even more than the activities, it's the mentoring that comes along with those activities," Kane said. "The people who are committed to the scouts are so good at working with the kids and troops and helping them to grow up and become citizens, and that's so valuable."

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart, who played for the Steelers from 1995 to 2002, will serve as the keynote speaker.

Throughout his career, Stewart has been an active philanthropist, donating his time, money and resources to support a variety of charitable organizations.

"Kordell's message of leadership and flexibility resonates well in the Johnstown region," said Robert Eyer, campaign team member. "We are excited to bring this remarkable individual to Johnstown to share his experiences and message at the dinner."

Funds raised will remain in the council to be used to recruit, train and support more than 900 youth and adult members in Cambria and Somerset counties, as well as grant scholarships and provide a number of outdoor programs throughout the year.

"The programs of the Boy Scouts of America strengthen family relationships, provide youth with caring adult mentors, instill a sense of civic pride and compassion through service to others, and build self-confidence through recognition," said Michele Brenneman, assistant scout executive for the Laurel Highlands Council. "Honoring individuals whose actions reflect those same values is truly an honor for our organization."

Tickets are $150. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to make reservations, call the Laurel Highlands Council at 814-471-1090.