Scouting America of Central Florida to Honor Bill Jurgens and Shah Family With Golden Eagle Awards

prestigious annual fundraising event

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA—The Central Florida Council, Scouting America, is excited to announce the upcoming Golden Eagle Dinner, which will be held on April 29 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Florida Tech in Melbourne.

The event will be a prestigious annual fundraising event that brings together Brevard County’s top corporate and community leaders and local philanthropists to support Scouting.

This year, we honor Bill Jurgens, Athletic Director Emeritus of Florida Institute of Technology, and Southeast Petro for their exceptional dedication to service and leadership.

Chaired by Bart Gaetjens, Retired External Affairs Manager of Florida Power & Light Company, the Golden Eagle Dinner is an evening of inspiration and celebration. It highlights the profound impact of Scouting in shaping young leaders of character. All proceeds directly support local Scouting programs, ensuring more youth have access to transformative experiences.

Honoring William K. Jurgens

Scouting America proudly honors William (Bill) K. Jurgens, Jr. at this year’s Golden Eagle Dinner for his lifelong dedication to athletics, education, and community service. A former Scout with Troop 323 in Melbourne, Bill’s time at Camp La-No-Che sparked a passion for the outdoors that has stayed with him throughout his life.

His career in sports began after earning his degree from Jacksonville University, later leading him to serve as Florida Tech’s Athletics Director for over 40 years, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s athletic programs.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bill has demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back. He served as Riverside District Chairman for Scouting America, earning the District Award of Merit. He has held leadership roles with US Rowing, the Dad Vail Regatta, and the Melbourne Regional Chamber.

Recognized with numerous honors, including inductions into the Florida Tech and Space Coast Sports Halls of Fame, he most recently received the City of Melbourne Exceptional Citizen Award.

Despite his many accomplishments, Bill considers his 50-year marriage to Susy and his family his most outstanding achievement. His dedication to mentoring and service continues to leave a lasting impact on the community, embodying the values of Scouting.

Honoring the Shah Family and Southeast Petro

Scouting America proudly recognizes Southeast Petro as this year’s Corporate Honoree for its outstanding business leadership and commitment to community service.

Founded in 1980 by Mike and Rashmi Shah with a single gas station in Cocoa, Florida, Southeast Petro has grown into one of the largest fuel wholesalers in the Southeast, supplying over 400 independently owned gas stations and employing more than 200 people.

Now led by the Shahs’ children, Summit and Monica Shah, the company has expanded its portfolio to include hospitality, entertainment, and real estate while maintaining its core values of honesty, integrity, and dedication to service. Summit is now the company’s president, and Monica is its Vice President and Treasurer.

Southeast Petro’s success is built on a strong foundation of community commitment and philanthropy. The company prioritizes philanthropy, community partnerships, and initiatives that uplift local organizations, reflecting its belief that true success is measured in business growth and the positive impact on the communities it serves. Scouting America is honored to celebrate Southeast Petro’s leadership, values, and generosity, which align perfectly with the mission of building character and service-minded leadership in youth.

For more information or to request an invitation to the Golden Eagle Dinner, don’t hesitate to contact Charis Peterson, District Executive, at charis.peterson@cflscouting.org.  Visit CLICK HERE to explore sponsorship opportunities and discover how you can support local Scouting.

In 2024, the Central Florida Council of Scouting America served over 17,000 youth with the support of more than 4,000 dedicated adult leaders across seven counties in Central Florida. As one of the nation’s largest youth-serving organizations, Scouting America provides premier programs that focus on character development, citizenship, and values-based leadership training—preparing youth for success in life.

Committed to delivering exceptional experiences for youth and families, the Central Florida Council fosters adventure, leadership, and a strong spirit of service through dynamic programs and community engagement.

For more information, visit CFLscouting.org.

Similar Stories