Daniel Benedetto's Eagle Project (Southern Paws)

My name is Daniel Benedetto and I am a Life Scout from Troop 159. Scouting has given me so much in my life, and now it is my turn to give something back.

For my Eagle Scout Project, I will be helping Southern Paws, a 501c3 non-profit dog rescue operating out of Ringwood, New Jersey. They work with fellow rescues in the Southern United States to place dogs who would otherwise be euthanized due to overpopulation. They also provide financial support to these organizations to help them aid them in their rescue efforts. Over the past five years, they have saved the lives of over 4,500 dogs. It is their goal to be a voice for the voiceless and hope for the hopeless". Their website is https://www.southernpawsinc.org/. The picture above is me and Tami Faller, one of the owners of Southern Paws outside the kennel area.

Southern Paws is renovating and fixing its offices to make better use of the space. They also have some kennels in the back that need repairs. For my project, I will:

- replace and repair the roofing on the kennels in the back and clean up the area around it.

- renovating the storage spaces for the facility. I will clean out the spaces, repair the walls and ceiling in the storage areas, paint the walls, and build shelves to store supplies, bins, dog food, and whatever else they need. There are also a short set of stairs that need to be repaired/ painted and a railing to be put in.

- assembly and positioning of temporary cages/ kennels.

- add a painting or mural on one wall to decorate the space (funding permitting).

I also want to donate some personal time to help before and after the project when they have transports of dogs coming in. This isn't a specific part of my project but I like what they do and want to continue to help after we are done.

For my project, I estimate I will need approximately $1,200. These funds will be used to purchase materials for the shelving, paint, and other repairs/ renovations being done. Any funds left over from the fundraising will be donated to Southern Paws directly to support their mission.

ABOUT ME

I have been a Scout since the first grade as part of Pack and Troop 159 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Hewitt, NJ. Since then, I have gained a lot from Scouting including some really great friends. I've served my Troop as a patrol leader, quartermaster, and Order of the Arrow Representative. I am currently a Brotherhood member in the Order of the Arrow and serve as part of the Ceremonies team. I have also served as part of the staff at Camp Lewis, a Cub Scout resident summer camp as a site guide and lifeguard.

Outside of Scouts, I am a senior at Morris Catholic High School where I play varsity football and lacrosse. I have been active in theater for many years both in and out of school. After high school I am planning on attending college majoring in psychology.

Thank you for supporting my project and Southern Paws!