Scout event to honor Dr. Kinder, family

The first Good Scout Recognition Dinner, hosted by the Boy Scouts of America/ Greater St. Louis Area Council/ Shawnee District, will be held Monday at the Plaza Conference Center by Ray's, 3257 William St. in Cape Girardeau.

"The dinner has three main purposes," said John Snipes, district director of the Shawnee District of the Boy Scouts of America.

"We want to increase community awareness and involvement [in the local Boy Scout program]," Snipes said. "The dinner is also a fundraiser for local scouting programs, and thirdly, we are recognizing the Dr. James A. Kinder, Jr. family."

Dr. Kinder, a local physician, volunteer, and community leader who died in 2000, was passionate about the program.

"Dr. Kinder, his sons Frank, James III, Mark and Peter and grandsons Nick, James IV, Hunter and Will all achieved their Eagle [Scout ranking]," Snipes said.

Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in scouting. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills, as well as plan, develop and give leadership to an extensive local service project.

"The Kinder family was chosen to be honored at the first Good Scout Recognition Dinner because they continue to live the values of scouting in both their businesses and their communities," Snipes said.

Mark Kinder, one of Dr. James A. Kinder's sons, is very touched by the tribute.

"It's a great credit to dad," he said. "Scouting was a fun way to connect with our dad [and eventually] with our own children. I always enjoyed watching my son, Hunter, learn [the skills taught in Scouting] from other men and have fun doing it. Scouting teaches many valuable lessons, and it's an honor for our father to be remembered in this way."

Corporate sponsors of the dinner include Red Letter Communications, the Southeast Missourian and The Bank of Missouri. Media sponsors of the event are KFVS 12, Mississippi River Radio and KBSI/MY 49.

John M. Thompson, president of The Bank of Missouri, will act as master of ceremonies for the banquet.

"We are anticipating between 120 and 150 people to attend the dinner, and I really see it growing in the future," Snipes said.

Social hour begins at 6 p.m.; dinner and the banquet are at 7 p.m.

A table of eight may be purchased for $1,000 or individuals may attend for $125 each. Attendees may pay at the door or call 335-3346 for reservations or more information.

Pertinent address:

3257 William St., Cape Girardeau, MO