DALTON, Ga. — Former Dalton State College athletic director Derek Waugh wasn’t a Boy Scout, but he says that over the years he’s gotten to know many men who were Scouts and has seen the impact Scouting made on their lives.

“The Scouts and former Scouts I have known have always been positive people. Scouting teaches them many important values and one of those values is that positive people can make a positive difference on society,” said Waugh, who was the keynote speaker Thursday at the Northwest Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s American Values Luncheon at the Dalton Golf & Country Club.

There are more than 3,500 Scouts in the Northwest Georgia Council and about 1,000 in the Conasauga District, which includes Whitfield and Murray counties. The luncheon served as a fundraiser for the council.

Business and political leaders packed the country club, and Waugh said it was fitting that so many leaders came out to support the Boys Scouts since the organization will help produce the leaders of tomorrow.

Friends of Scouting chairman and Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce President Rob Bradham agreed.

“The lessons and values the Boy Scouts teach are arguably more valuable than ever before,” he said.

The luncheon was chaired by Dalton businessman David Renz.

“The Boy Scouts builds character, and that’s something that’s lacking in today’s world,” Renz said. “I was a Scout growing up, and I cherish the lessons I learned. Many of the people I was in Scouts with are doctors and lawyers today, and many of the young men we are helping will be the doctors and lawyers and business leaders of tomorrow.”

Renz said they were hoping to raise more than $100,000 from the luncheon.

Jim Shaheen was a Scout as a youth and has continued his involvement for four decades as an adult leader and Scout executive.

“My parents got me involved as a Cub Scout, and I went all the way through the program to Eagle Scout. You learn self-reliance. You learn about citizenship. You learn about the outdoors. You learn a lot of useful skills,” he said. “Scouting has been called a game with a purpose. No boy gets involved with Scouting to learn lessons. They join to go camping or hiking. But you get them involved, and it helps prepare them for all sorts of things.”

Dalton resident Henry Stevenson received his Eagle Scout award last year. According to the Boy Scouts of America, just 2 percent of boys who have taken part in Scouting have received that award, which involves earning at least 21 merit badges and completing a major service project.

“I started Scouts when I was 11. I’m 18 now,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot about perseverance. I’ve learned a lot about self-reliance. But I’ve also learned how to ask for help when I need it.”

The luncheon honored philanthropist Jeanne Burr, businessman Shelby Peeples and Engineered Floors for “their community leadership and service to the citizens of Dalton, Whitfield County and northwest Georgia.”

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Burr has long been active in a number of community groups and two years ago donated $1 million to the city of Dalton to build a downtown park and performing center. The park will officially open on May 19.

Peeples and his wife Willena have been major donors to many local causes and organizations, including Dalton State College and Hamilton Health Care System.

“I’m proud to be honored. I’m not certain I deserve it,” said Shelby Peeples. “But I’m very happy to do what I can to support the Boy Scouts. They are our future.”

Engineered Floors President Danny Freeman said it was a “wonderful feeling” for the company to be honored.

“Mr. Shaw (Engineered Floors founder and chairman Robert “Bob” Shaw) told me early on that it’s about giving back to the community, and what the Boy Scouts does for this community is amazing,” he said.