By Ruth SOWBY

Through the Decades was the theme of this year’s 50^th Annual Big Strike Auction that hosted Scouts and supporters at Castaway Burbank restaurant on Friday, Nov. 14. Scouting America – Verdugo Hills Council struck gold as proceeds climbed to reaching the evening’s $65,000 fundraising goal.  

Some 100 guests and supporters enjoyed dinner, live and silent auction items, and music from the trio Slapp, which included two Eagle Scouts bandmates: Shahe and Zareh Shahinian. Daron Kaloustian rounded out the trio.

Glendale City Council member and former Glendale mayor Ardy Kassakhian was the evening’s master of ceremonies. This year’s Council board chair Hovik Shahinian reminded his audience that the Council provides scouting programs in Los Angeles County for 1,300 young men and women.  

“Scouting is now a family unit, not simply a scouting unit,” said Shahinian. His wife Marine Philbosian is a strong Scout supporter. Kassakhian’s wife Courtney is the Cub leader of Pack 160 and a former Girl Scout.  

“We’re also proud parents of a Scout,” said Ardy. Extending the “family unit” of the Council is acting Scout executive Amy Taylor. Her son “Eagled” in 2016.      

Incoming Council board chair Craig Harris expressed his concerns that “The national office wants to merge the four councils of LA County. We want to stave it off.”  

Harris continued, “We run the Verdugo Hills Council as a neighborhood institution with a small town feeling.”  

For over 100 years the Verdugo Hills Council has provided values-based programs serving the youth and families in LA County.  Today, the Council covers the communities of Glendale, Burbank, Sun Valley, Sunland, Tujunga, La Crescenta, Montrose, Eagle Rock and Highland Park.  

The evening’s proceeds will help support the Council’s two camps, service center and Scouts’ attendance at the 2026 National Jamboree.