Mayor Jason Reeves said there were two reasons he agreed to chair Thursday night’s Golden Eagle Dinner. “As a leader in the community, one thing I know very well is scouts make good citizens and good citizens make good communities,” he said.

Reeves’ second reason for taking part was the opportunity to honor a legend in the Troy community. The Boy Scouts of America recognized Troy native Sam Kitchens for his 40th year as a volunteer baseball coach.

During the dinner, scouts recognized dozens of sponsors. Eagle Scout Jay Guild, Jr. said the dinner was one of the Alabama-Florida Council’s biggest fundraisers of the year. “We’re extremely appreciative to people who have come here to support this program,” he said.

The dinner raised more than $23,000. “I’m just grateful that we have people that are willing to come out and support us,” said Eagle Scout Kyle Martin.

“It is really nice knowing somebody is willing to fund our program because I don’t have money and money is a necessary thing nowadays,” said Eagle Scout Taylor Kosman.

Each year, the Alabama-Florida Council honors someone who has had an impact on the community. Kitchens joins the ranks of former Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, U.S. Representative Martha Roby and Troy University’s Dr. John Long.

“I never thought that when I started I’d be honored for something I just enjoyed doing,” said Kitchens. “All I wanted to do when I started was help somebody because there were times in my life when people helped me.”

Reeves shared tales of his years playing on Kitchens’ baseball team. “I could talk a long, long time about Sam,” he said. “The thing that always impressed me about Sam is … Sam treated the kids the same way. Sam loved them all.”

Reeves’ first year in Dixie Boys was 1985. From Kitchens, he learned that hard work was always rewarded. He said he loved being around Kitchens and seeing the way his coach treated people. “There are very few people who can make a point and get on to you and you still know that they love you,” he said.

Reeves addressed Kitchens’ family, who surrounded the guest of honor. “Samantha and Roxie, thank you for sharing Sam with us,” he said. “Sam, to you and your family, thank you for what you’ve done for my hometown and for the children of my hometown.”