Bill Gates receives Boy Scouts of America's Highest Honor for service

5 minutes

SEATTLE, September 13, 2010 Microsoft cofounder and Life Scout Bill Gates received the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) highest commendation for his deep commitment to improving the lives of the world’s most disadvantaged people. The BSA’s Silver Buffalo Award recognizes distinguished service to youth. The Chief Seattle Council will host the awards luncheon where Gates will receive his Silver Buffalo honor.

The Silver Buffalo has been awarded annually since 1925 to civic-minded men and women for their invaluable contributions and service to youth.

“Scouting is an organization that teaches essential skills that last a lifetime, as is demonstrated by leaders such as Bill Gates, who have impacted millions through their commitment to service and bettering the lives of others,” said Sharon Moulds, Scout executive for the Chief Seattle Council.

“In honor of Bill’s commitment to youth, proceeds of the event will be used to expand the council’s efforts to ensure all local youth regardless of their financial circumstance, neighborhood, or background have the opportunity to experience Scouting.“

As a Life Scout, Gates became fascinated with computers during high school. In 1975, he left Harvard University during his junior year to focus on Microsoft, the company he founded with childhood friend Paul Allen. As chief software architect and chairman, Gates helped build the company into the worldwide leader in personal computer software, services, and solutions. In July 2008, he transitioned into a new role as chairman of Microsoft and adviser on key development projects.

Along with his wife Melinda, he now devotes his time to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Guided by their belief that every life has equal value, the foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people especially those with the fewest resources have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life

“Our country and its young people need great leaders and visionaries like Bill Gates,” said Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive of the BSA. “Service to others is at the core of what it means to be a Scout.The Silver Buffalo Award is our way of honoring individuals like Mr. Gates, who, through his incredible success, has provided tremendous opportunity and help and to inspire others.”

Image: Bill Gates poses after receiving the Silver Buffalo award with Scouts currently in the program that are members of the troop (#186) and pack (#114) that he was a member of as a Scout—also in pictures are some of the newest Scouts in the Soccer and Scouting program