The Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America will host the 15th Annual Friends of Scouting Luncheon on March 6 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The annual luncheon acts as a fundraiser for the Council and is expected to be a sell out.
Each year, 700 Chattanooga area business and community leaders attend the Friends of Scouting Luncheon to support local Scouting programs and camps. This year, the Cherokee Area Council will welcome Captain Richard Phillips as its luncheon speaker.
Captain Phillips is the hero of the high seas and real life inspiration for the movie, Captain Phillips.
“We are excited to welcome Captain Phillips, as his story shows the perseverance and leadership taught by the Boy Scouts of America’s programs,” says Scout Executive Scott Fosse.
On April 8, 2009, Captain Phillips was captured by Somali pirates when they boarded the MV Maersk Alabama and hijacked the boat at gunpoint. The pirates held the sailors at gunpoint until the crew overpowered them and captured one of the pirates. The Somalis then left with an escape boat, fuel, food and Captain Phillips as a hostage.
When the MV Maersk Alabama crew attempted to trade the captured pirate for CaptainPhillips, the pirates broke the agreement and absconded with food rations and the captain. The U.S. Navy responded to the scene and began negotiating with the pirates. The standoff lasted until April 12 and Captain Phillips was finally rescued from the boat.
Captain Phillips is a Boy Scout alum and author of A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea, describing his experience and rescue.
The Friends of Scouting Luncheon sponsors are Publix Super Market Charities, First Tennessee Foundation, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust, CHI Memorial, Elliott Davis, Mauldin & Jenkins, Elder’s Ace Hardware, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Mountain View Auto Group, and EPB Fiber Optics. The media partners are Chattanooga Times Free Press, Gault & Associates and WTCI.