Distinguished Citizens Recognized by Garden State Boy Scouts Council

WILDWOOD – The Garden State Council of the Boy Scouts of America honored two local business executives with the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award, at the Wildwoods Convention Center Oct. 22.      
Patrick Healey, president and chief operating officer of Viking Yachts, and Eustace Mita, chairman and chief operating officer of ICONA Resorts, were this year’s recipients. They were recognized by the organization for their contributions to the community and the scouting industry.
Boys from various scouting troops and packs attended the event, and presented Healy and Mita with their awards.
The council also recognized Matthew Craig of Troop 73. A scout since 5-years-old, Craig holds the rank of Life Scout, and is concluding the process of becoming an Eagle Scout. His Eagle Scout project consisted of preserving the grounds and the bell of the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Cape May.
Various elected officials also attended, including Sen. Robert Andrzejczak (D-1st), who attended the event with his son and Pack 65 member, Bobby Andrzejczak, Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton, and various members of the Lower Township Committee, including Mayor Erik Simonsen. All elected officials joined Healy and Mita on stage toward the conclusion of the event, presenting them with plaques that recognize their contributions to Cape May County.
The event totaled roughly $87,000 in donations towards the council, $2,000 more than the goal of Healey and Mita. An additional $9,000 was raised to help send scouts to BaySea Day Camp and Camp Roosevelt.