Scouts honor RI Distinguished Citizens, Cheryl Merchant and Gary Furtado

Photo: (L to R) Narr. Council Scout Executive and CEO Tim McCandless, Luncheon Co-Chair Paul Choquette, DCA Honoree Gary Furtado, Scout John McClung, Scout Edward McClung, DCA Honoree Cheryl Merchant, and Luncheon Co-Chair Thomas Gilbane

Council raises a record $355,000 for Scoutreach Program

The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America honored Cheryl Merchant of TACO Comfort Solutions and Gary Furtado previously of Navigant Credit Union at the 28th annual Distinguished Citizens Award Luncheon (DCAL). The event also raised a record $355,000 for the Narragansett Council’s Scoutreach Program, which ensures that youth in low-income neighborhoods have access to Scouting activities.

The Distinguished Citizens Award Luncheon is held in honor of the late U.S. Senator John H. Chafee, who was a Scout in his youth and a Narragansett Council alumnus. The event was held June 7th at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

With 35 years in the manufacturing industry, Cheryl Merchant has held leadership positions in companies such as GM, Ford, and Lear Corporation and has led teams in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and throughout Europe and Asia. Cheryl was President and CEO of Hope Global for 19 years before becoming the President and CEO of TACO Comfort Solutions in 2019. Outside of work, Cheryl is involved in many aspects of her community and is a highly sought after lecturer and speaker. Cheryl currently lives in Lincoln. where her daughter is a member of Scouts BSA Troop 711 Albion Girls.

“I want to thank the Narragansett Council for honoring me with this award,” said Merchant. “I’ve have seen firsthand the benefits of the Scouting programs and how they bring together youth to learn about the environment, valuable life skills, and their communities. I know that Scouting will continue to benefit and prepare my daughter for a bright future.”

Born and raised in Rhode Island, Gary Furtado spent his entire professional career with Navigant Credit Union. After graduating from Bryant University, Gary started as an accountant at Credit Union Central Falls later becoming the CEO in 1987. From a single branch credit union in Central Falls, Gary has grown Navigant Credit Union into the largest member owned credit union in Rhode Island with 23 physical branch locations. Recently, Gary retired from Navigant Credit Union after 44 years as President and CEO. Gary continues to serves on numerous boards throughout the state as well as the President of the Narragansett Council Executive Board. This is Furtado’s 20th year supporting the Narragansett Council. In Central Falls, Gary started a tradition to give back to Eagle Scouts – gifting each new Eagle with an iPad and hosting them at a special annual group lunch. Furtado saw his role at a community bank as an opportunity to mentor Scouts.

“The Narragansett Council continues to benefit youth across the Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts,” said Furtado. “It is amazing to see the impact Scouting has on youth who need it most, especially in the city of Central Falls where I have seen countless Scouts flourish from opportunities provided by the Scoutreach program.”

The annual luncheon raises funds for the Narragansett Council’s Scoutreach Program, which ensures that all youth in Southeastern New England, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood or ethnic background, have access to Scouting programming. Funds raised pay for programming, uniforms, equipment and summer camp scholarships. Since the start of the Scoutreach program, over 20,000 youth in the Narragansett Council have gained access to programming and all its benefits.

“We are thankful to Cheryl and Gary for their dedication and contributions to their communities and the Scouts.” said Tim McCandless, Scout Executive & CEO. “Through their efforts, and those of our donors, past awardees and the community, we have raised over $6 million dollars for Scoutreach over the last 30 years at our annual luncheon. Together, through Scouting, we are teaching our youth life skills, to serve others, and make ethical choices.”

About the Narragansett Council: The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America’s mission is to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The Narragansett Council’s research-backed, youth development programs are for boys and girls ages 6 to 20 through Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Exploring. The council serves over 5,000 youth annually in Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. People can learn about Scouting programs and find groups near them at www.BeAScout.org. For more information on the Narragansett Council, please visit www.ncbsa.org or visit us at Facebook.com/NCBSA