Rusty Wallace made his annual trip Tuesday to Orangeburg, SC. For the 10th consecutive year, Wallace made an appearance at the Tourville Lodge to help raise money for the Boy Scouts of America at the “Friends of Scouting” event sponsored by Jim Roquemore of Super Sod. Hank Jones of Elloree, a personal friend of Wallace’s, helped in getting the event together and once again arranging for the NASCAR star to be in attendance. Last year’s event raised upwards of $100,000 and this year was no different, as the grand total came to more than $108,000 for the Boy Scouts of America. Over his 10 years of coming to Orangeburg, Wallace and company have raised more than $750,000. After the questions and answers, Wallace got a surprise when Charles Williams and Jim Roquemore introduced Wallace’s wife, Patti. “Ya’ll brought my wife here. I can’t believe it,” Wallace said. “I’m glad I said all the right things.” Then came a host of awards for the NASCAR star.
The first was a scholarship fund that has been set up with Wallace’s name and sponsored by the Boy Scouts. It was presented by Randy Scott, Larry Brown and Orangeburg Sen. Brad Hutto, all of whom help out with the scouts locally. Lane Boone, a member of Troop 45, was presented the first-ever scholarship to help with his studies at Georgia Military Academy.
The second presentation came from Sheriff Larry Williams, who made Wallace a reserve deputy five years ago when Wallace attended the event. This year he was made an honorary deputy sheriff of Orangeburg County, receiving a plaque from Deputy Tammy Robinson, officer of the year.
Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller followed with a presentation declaring Tuesday, May 10, Rusty Wallace Day in Orangeburg.
The final presentation was made by the Southern Regional Director of the Boy Scouts of America, Parvin Bishop. Bishop presented the Silver Antelope to Wallace for his service to scouting. The Silver Antelope Award, created in 1942, is granted for outstanding service to youth within the territory of a BSA region. A recipient must be a registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America. The awards are presented in connection with regional meetings or at other public functions within the region. The National Court of Honor bestows Silver Antelope Awards on the basis of the number of registered volunteers in a region.(Times and Democrat)(5-11-2005)
