South Georgia Council of Boy Scouts to honor Lem Griffin at fundraiser

ALBANY — The South Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America will honor one of its own at its Annual Friends of Scouting fundraiser Tuesday at Merry Acres.

Lem Griffin, who has been heavily involved on the South Georgia Council for more than 25 years, will be recognized as being an “exceptional role model for youth, Scouting and volunteers.”

“There are a lot of people who are no longer with us who deserve recognition but I am appreciative of the honor,” Griffin said. “But this is not about me. I see young guys go through Scouts and grow up to be a benefit to society. Scouting helps shape the minds of our young boys and helps them become productive members of society.”

Phoebe Putney Health System President and CEO Joel Wernick, who who is the chairman of the fundraising event, praised Griffin as an example to the community.

“A Boy Scout himself, Lem learned early on that a community is only as good as you make it. I can think of no one who has been more dedicated to that philosophy,” Wernick said. “It’s people like Lem who make communities a valuable part of a child’s growth. And it’s Lem who has made volunteering in this community a large part of his life and the lives of the children in his hometown. Over the years he has invested not only his time, but a great deal of financial resources to help sustain the Southwest Georgia Boy Scouts of America and the community Salvation Army.”

Griffin has served as president and as a board member for the previous Chehaw Council. He has been chairman of the board for Phoebe Putney Health System for the past 11 years. Prior to being chairman, Griffin was a member of the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Board from 1991 to 2004. He was the co-owner, president and CEO of Flint River Services.

He currently serves as chairman of the board for the Salvation Army and also serves on the boards of Security Bank and the Albany Technical College Foundation.

“But like I said earlier, most of the credit for where the South Georgia Council is now as an organization should go to many people who are no longer with us. These people should never be forgotten,” Griffin said.

The event will begin with a social gathering at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. For more information contact South Georgia Council Development Director Allison Flory at 229-292-4591.