Northern New Jersey Scouting council sets first Duty to Country gala for Nov. 4

Scouting America Northern New Jersey Council will host its first Duty to Country fundraising gala on Nov. 4 at the Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, New Jersey, to spotlight patriotism, veterans and military families. The event will feature keynote speaker Ron Young, a former Army helicopter pilot, Eagle Scout and POW, as the council marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Why it matters: - The gala is designed to raise money while reinforcing Scouting America Northern New Jersey Council’s work with veterans, military families and civic-minded youth. - The event also ties Scouting’s mission to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, adding a patriotic theme to the fundraiser. - Scouting America’s military connections and leadership training are part of the organization’s broader pitch to families, donors and community leaders.

What happened: - Scouting America Northern New Jersey Council will host its first “Duty to Country” Fundraising Gala from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. - The event will take place at the Montclair Art Museum at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair, New Jersey. - The keynote speaker will be Chief Warrant Officer Ron Young, an Eagle Scout and retired U.S. Army helicopter pilot. - Young deployed four times, including operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom. - Young earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal with Valor and Prisoner of War Ribbon. - Young said Scouting helped shape his military success and helped him endure captivity as a POW.

The details: - The council says the gala will celebrate Scouting’s commitment to patriotism, support for veterans and military families, and the role of Scout leaders and mentors. - The event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. - Scouting America has worked alongside military communities and civic organizations for more than a century. - The organization says Scouts learn duty to country, community engagement and practical skills that build character and citizenship. - The council says Scouting engages veterans through volunteer opportunities and service projects. - Scouting also offers programs on military bases around the world. - The Northern New Jersey Council serves boys and girls in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Explorers, Sea Scouts and Venturing Crews across Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. - The council says tickets, sponsorships and program ads are available on its Duty to Country webpage. - Event pricing is $350 per person or $3,000 per table. - More information is available at scoutingnnj.org or by calling (201) 677-1000. - The council says it provides character development and leadership training to 8,000 youth and 3,000 adults served annually in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. - Scouting America says more than 100 million youth and adults have participated since the organization’s inception in 1910.

Between the lines: - The gala pairs fundraising with a message aimed at donors who value military service, patriotism and youth development. - Ron Young’s military record and Eagle Scout background give the event a personal example of Scouting’s stated values in action. - The council’s emphasis on veterans and military families suggests an effort to broaden Scouting’s community relevance beyond traditional youth programs.

What's next: - The council will sell tickets, sponsorships and program ads ahead of the Nov. 4 gala. - Donations to Scouting in Northern New Jersey remain open through the council’s website and phone line. - The event may serve as a template for future fundraising tied to civic and patriotic themes.

The bottom line: - Northern New Jersey Scouting is using its first Duty to Country gala to connect fundraising, patriotism and service in one event.