Champion race car driver Jeff Gordon has been selected to receive Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) highest honor for his efforts in Scouting’s national recruiting program as well as his personal humanitarian work. The commendation, known as the Silver Buffalo award, will be presented at the annual Boy Scout Leadership Dinner at the Charlotte Convention Center, March 24, 2009.

Gordon is being recognized for his work as honorary chairman and spokesperson for the “Race into Cub Scouting” national recruiting program. He will also be honored for his personal humanitarian efforts, including the work of The Jeff Gordon Foundation that he formed in 1999. Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $7 million for children’s charities.

The award will be presented by dignitaries including Rick Cronk, retired president, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream and volunteer past president, BSA; and Robert Mazzuca, current chief Scout executive of BSA. Duke Energy’s group executive and chief legal officer Marc E. Manly is serving as the dinner’s chairman. The featured speaker will be Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group.

The Silver Buffalo award, Scouting’s highest commendation, recognizes the invaluable contributions that outstanding American men and women render to youth on a national level. Past recipients of the award include Charles Lindbergh, Walt Disney, Hank Aaron, General Colin Powell, and 13 Presidents of the United States.

Sponsorship opportunities for the dinner are available. Funds raised through corporate and table sponsorships provide major support for year-round programs for thousands of young people in Mecklenburg County including youth who are disadvantaged, from diverse cultures or have disabilities. Over 500 business people and supporters are expected to attend the dinner. For more information or to sponsor a table, contact the Mecklenburg County Council, BSA at 704-333-5471.

The following was a press release issued by Mecklenberg County Council BSA.