$84.5M MacKenzie Scott gift shows confidence in Girl Scouts
NEW YORK (AP) — Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $84.5 million to Girl Scouts of the USA and 29 of its local branches, the 110-year-old organization said Tuesday, calling it a vote of confidence.
“Her support of our organization means honestly just as much as the donation,” Sofia Chang, CEO of GSUSA, said in an interview.

Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File
FILE - In this March 4, 2018, file photo, then-MacKenzie Bezos arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Calif.
It’s the largest donation the Girl Scouts have received from an individual since their founding in 1912, she said. The funds will help the organization recover from the impact of the pandemic, which drove down membership. The Girl Scouts plan to support volunteers and staff, make camp properties more resistant to the impacts of climate change, improve science and technology education for youth members and develop diversity and inclusion programming to make their troops more accessible.
Keep scrolling for a photo gallery of 40 famous women who were Girl Scouts
The Girl Scout council in Southern Arizona decided to use the $1.4 million it received from Scott to elevate the work they are already doing rather than to start a new program or initiative, said its CEO Kristen Garcia-Hernandez.
“We are a small council and we’re certainly not in a major metropolitan hub. So for us, gifts of this magnitude don’t come around very often,” Garcia-Hernandez said.
The gift accelerates their plan to hire more staff to reach most places in the seven counties they serve in under an hour and provide programming year-round. The council will also outfit a van as a mobile science and technology classroom, a project they have tried to fund for a year and a half. Many local funders seem to think that the Girl Scout’s cookie sales cover their expenses, she said.
“While the cookie program sustains us certainly and it’s wonderful and the girls are part of that process, which makes it even more beautiful, we certainly need more from the community,” Garcia-Hernandez said.
Philanthropic giving to organizations that specifically serve women and girls represents less than 2% of all donations, according to a research project of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The institute found that proportion has not changed significantly between 2012 and 2019, the years the study has tracked.
Tessa Skidmore, research associate at the institute, said major gifts from women like philanthropists Melinda French Gates, Sheryl Sandberg and Scott could inspire other donors.
“Those are the types of things that have the potential to change that number,” she said.
Here’s a video about National Girl Scout Day on March 12:
Watch Now: 5 Things you didn’t know about Girl Scouts
The institute partnered with Pivotal Ventures, the investment firm founded by French Gates, and others to promote giving to women and girls on the International Day of the Girl, marked on Oct. 11 each year. It also shares its giving data in the hopes that donors or researchers will use it as one way to evaluate gender equity in donations.
Scott communicates infrequently about her giving, which has totaled around $12 billion since 2019. She has donated large, unrestricted grants to many different kinds of organizations, though her gifts have had a special focus on racial equity. Scott also made a blockbuster $275 million gift to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates this year.
In September, Scott filed for divorce from her second husband, Dan Jewett, whose profile was also removed from website of The Giving Pledge, a group that asks billionaires to give more than half their wealth away in their lifetimes. The former couple had jointly written on the site last year about their intention to give away Scott’s fortune, which largely comes from her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Youth membership of the Girl Scouts fell dramatically during the pandemic, dropping nearly 30% from about 1.4 million in 2019- 2020 to just over 1 million in 2021-2022. Chang acknowledged the drop but made the case that the organization’s programs consistently help girls build confidence and tackle problems in their community.
“Our traditional way of supporting girls was really upended during the pandemic as troops couldn’t really meet in person,” Chang said. “So to build back stronger than we ever had before, we’re really listening to our Girl Scouts, listening to their families and to our volunteers to really ensure that what comes next for us is truly impactful in this moment.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupMarcus Yam/Los Angeles Times/TNS
Long before she served her country as the first female secretary of state, Madeleine Albright was a Girl Scout.
Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times/TNSLong before she served her country as the first female secretary of state, Madeleine Albright was a Girl Scout.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupDavid McNew/Getty Images/TNS
We can only imagine the joy and laughter comedic legend Lucille Ball brought to her Girl Scout troop.
David McNew/Getty Images/TNSWe can only imagine the joy and laughter comedic legend Lucille Ball brought to her Girl Scout troop.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupLeon Bennett/Getty Images/TNS
Candace Bergen may be known for her role as Murphy Brown, but before she was famous the Emmy Award-winning actress gave it her all as a member of the Girl Scouts.
Leon Bennett/Getty Images/TNSCandace Bergen may be known for her role as Murphy Brown, but before she was famous the Emmy Award-winning actress gave it her all as a member of the Girl Scouts.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupCarmine Galasso/The Record/MCT
When Dr. Joyce Brothers passed away in 2013, US Today described her legacy as a person who “offered advice on psychological issues at a time when such subjects were rarely discussed on TV.” Perhaps lessons learned as a Girl Scout helped her to serve and care for people throughout her adult life.
Carmine Galasso/The Record/MCTWhen Dr. Joyce Brothers passed away in 2013, US Today described her legacy as a person who “offered advice on psychological issues at a time when such subjects were rarely discussed on TV.” Perhaps lessons learned as a Girl Scout helped her to serve and care for people throughout her adult life.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupOlivier Douliery/ABACAUSA.com
Every first lady since 1917 has held the position of honorary national president of Girl Scouts of the United States of America. First Lady Laura Bush, a former scout herself, celebrated the 90th anniversary of the organization during her tenure.
Olivier Douliery/ABACAUSA.comEvery first lady since 1917 has held the position of honorary national president of Girl Scouts of the United States of America. First Lady Laura Bush, a former scout herself, celebrated the 90th anniversary of the organization during her tenure.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupAnthony Behar/PictureGroup/Sipa USA
Can you imagine Mariah Carey as a child singing the popular Girl Scout song “Make New Friends” with her fellow troop members? We just did. Chills.
Anthony Behar/PictureGroup/Sipa USACan you imagine Mariah Carey as a child singing the popular Girl Scout song “Make New Friends” with her fellow troop members? We just did. Chills.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupSthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA
It’s no surprise Wonder Woman herself was a Girl Scout. Actress Lynda Carter, who portrayed one inspiring superhero, was likely a natural fit.
Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USAIt’s no surprise Wonder Woman herself was a Girl Scout. Actress Lynda Carter, who portrayed one inspiring superhero, was likely a natural fit.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupKen Hawkins
Another first lady who served as honorary national president of the Girl Scouts, Rosalynn Carter was a member when she was young girl.
Ken HawkinsAnother first lady who served as honorary national president of the Girl Scouts, Rosalynn Carter was a member when she was young girl.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupCarolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/TNS
Chelsea Clinton may have grown up in the spotlight, having political parents and all, but that didn’t pull her away from everyday activities such as Girl Scouts.
Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/TNSChelsea Clinton may have grown up in the spotlight, having political parents and all, but that didn’t pull her away from everyday activities such as Girl Scouts.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupSTEPHEN JAFFE/AFP/Getty Images/TNS
It runs in the family! Like her daughter Chelsea, Hillary Clinton was also a member of the Girl Scouts.
STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP/Getty Images/TNSIt runs in the family! Like her daughter Chelsea, Hillary Clinton was also a member of the Girl Scouts.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupSthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA
Talk show host Katie Couric was part of a troop in Arlington, Va., from fourth through sixth grades. Reflecting on her time with the organization, she told ABC News “Girl Scouts taught me some of the basic and essential principles and values that I still hold dear today, like being truthful, helpful and independent.”
Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USATalk show host Katie Couric was part of a troop in Arlington, Va., from fourth through sixth grades. Reflecting on her time with the organization, she told ABC News “Girl Scouts taught me some of the basic and essential principles and values that I still hold dear today, like being truthful, helpful and independent.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupAnthony Behar/Sipa USA
Singer Sheryl Crow has supported the Girl Scouts since she was a young member. She once tweeted: “So glad I was a girl scout. taught me things I still think about each day.”
Anthony Behar/Sipa USASinger Sheryl Crow has supported the Girl Scouts since she was a young member. She once tweeted: “So glad I was a girl scout. taught me things I still think about each day.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupHANDOUT
It has been said that actress Bette Davis was a decorated Girl Scout, and her dedication to service drove her to lead Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts for a time.
HANDOUTIt has been said that actress Bette Davis was a decorated Girl Scout, and her dedication to service drove her to lead Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts for a time.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupOlivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS
From her work with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs to her rise as a U.S. senator, Tammy Duckworth has dedicated a good portion of her adult life to serving others. It’s no surprise, then, to learn that she was once a Girl Scout.
Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNSFrom her work with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs to her rise as a U.S. senator, Tammy Duckworth has dedicated a good portion of her adult life to serving others. It’s no surprise, then, to learn that she was once a Girl Scout.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupMarechal Aurore/ABACA
Dakota Fanning may have started acting at a young age, but her parents made sure she had time to be a kid — including putting her in Girl Scouts.
Marechal Aurore/ABACADakota Fanning may have started acting at a young age, but her parents made sure she had time to be a kid — including putting her in Girl Scouts.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupLucas Films/Entertainment Pictures/ZUMA24.com
Princess Leia was a Girl Scout. OK, so the organization probably didn’t exist a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but actress Carrie Fisher was a member.
Lucas Films/Entertainment Pictures/ZUMA24.comPrincess Leia was a Girl Scout. OK, so the organization probably didn’t exist a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but actress Carrie Fisher was a member.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupEugene Garcia/Orange County Register/MCT
Former Girl Scout Tipper Gore was invited to speak at an event for the organization in 1999. The former second lady, who was a Girl Scout growing up, invoked the Girl Scout Law several times in her speech as she praised the work of women in America who lived by that rule.
Eugene Garcia/Orange County Register/MCTFormer Girl Scout Tipper Gore was invited to speak at an event for the organization in 1999. The former second lady, who was a Girl Scout growing up, invoked the Girl Scout Law several times in her speech as she praised the work of women in America who lived by that rule.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupVan Tine Dennis/ABACA
TV personality and lawyer Star Jones has always been an advocate for women and girls. Her time with the Girl Scouts likely contributed to her founding of a nonprofit that supported women, girls and families in need.
Van Tine Dennis/ABACATV personality and lawyer Star Jones has always been an advocate for women and girls. Her time with the Girl Scouts likely contributed to her founding of a nonprofit that supported women, girls and families in need.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupLARRY STONG
A retired American athlete, Jackie Joyner-Kersee won three gold, one silver and two bronze Olympic medals. A Girl Scout through and through, she has always discussed her impressive achievements with grace and humility.
LARRY STONGA retired American athlete, Jackie Joyner-Kersee won three gold, one silver and two bronze Olympic medals. A Girl Scout through and through, she has always discussed her impressive achievements with grace and humility.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupDPA/ABACAUSA
Grace Kelly’s story is a true fairy tale. A Girl Scout from Philadelphia grew up to become an actress and Princess Grace of Monaco.
DPA/ABACAUSAGrace Kelly’s story is a true fairy tale. A Girl Scout from Philadelphia grew up to become an actress and Princess Grace of Monaco.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupAP Photo/Nick Ut
Not only was ventriloquist and Lamb Chop creator Shari Lewis a Girl Scout, but according to The New York Times she also sat on the board of the organization later in life.
AP Photo/Nick UtNot only was ventriloquist and Lamb Chop creator Shari Lewis a Girl Scout, but according to The New York Times she also sat on the board of the organization later in life.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupMatthew Stockman/Getty Images/TNS
Team building is integral part of the Girl Scouts, and former member Rebecca Lobo took that to heart throughout her basketball career. From her collegiate career University of Connecticut to her time in the WNBA on the New York Liberty, Lobo understood the importance of good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/TNSTeam building is integral part of the Girl Scouts, and former member Rebecca Lobo took that to heart throughout her basketball career. From her collegiate career University of Connecticut to her time in the WNBA on the New York Liberty, Lobo understood the importance of good sportsmanship and teamwork.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupPhoto by Anthony Behar
According to People.com, Susan Lucci got her first taste of acting as a “Cinderella type” in a Girl Scout play, and she said, “I felt totally at home onstage.”
Photo by Anthony BeharAccording to People.com, Susan Lucci got her first taste of acting as a “Cinderella type” in a Girl Scout play, and she said, “I felt totally at home onstage.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupDonna Ward/Abaca Press/MCT
Singer Natalie Merchant fondly remembers her time as a Girl Scout. According to the Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana website, she said, “I think the most enduring lesson I was taught through my experiences of being a Girl Scout was that I was a member of a larger community. I out-grew my uniforms and badges years ago, but the memories of visiting nursing homes or organizing Earth Day tree plantings or my summers camping with girls from all different backgrounds will stay with me always.”
Donna Ward/Abaca Press/MCTSinger Natalie Merchant fondly remembers her time as a Girl Scout. According to the Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana website, she said, “I think the most enduring lesson I was taught through my experiences of being a Girl Scout was that I was a member of a larger community. I out-grew my uniforms and badges years ago, but the memories of visiting nursing homes or organizing Earth Day tree plantings or my summers camping with girls from all different backgrounds will stay with me always.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupHANDOUT
Former First Lady Pat Nixon continued to show interest in causes she cared about in the past. The Girl Scouts meant so much to her from childhood to adulthood that she continued working with them even while her health declined.
HANDOUTFormer First Lady Pat Nixon continued to show interest in causes she cared about in the past. The Girl Scouts meant so much to her from childhood to adulthood that she continued working with them even while her health declined.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupPhoto by Chip Somodevilla/Pool
When she was the honorary national president, Michelle Obama shot a special video for the organization. In it, she said, “As a Girl Scout volunteer, you can show girls that anything is possible, and you can inspire them to dream bigger and go further than they ever even imagined.”
Photo by Chip Somodevilla/PoolWhen she was the honorary national president, Michelle Obama shot a special video for the organization. In it, she said, “As a Girl Scout volunteer, you can show girls that anything is possible, and you can inspire them to dream bigger and go further than they ever even imagined.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupSthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow is a former Girl Scout who became an advocate for women's health and wellness.
Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USAActress Gwyneth Paltrow is a former Girl Scout who became an advocate for women's health and wellness.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupAlbin Lohr-Jones/Sipa USA
Broadcast journalist Jane Pauley has been covering a wide variety of topics over the course of her career, including news about the Girl Scouts. That topic is particularly fitting, seeing as Pauley was once a Girl Scout.
Albin Lohr-Jones/Sipa USABroadcast journalist Jane Pauley has been covering a wide variety of topics over the course of her career, including news about the Girl Scouts. That topic is particularly fitting, seeing as Pauley was once a Girl Scout.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupHerb Ball/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images/TNS
Nancy Reagan championed the "Just Say No" campaign against drugs as she seamlessly took on the role of first lady. Perhaps it was her time with the Girl Scouts that prepared her for one of the most important times in her life.
Herb Ball/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images/TNSNancy Reagan championed the "Just Say No" campaign against drugs as she seamlessly took on the role of first lady. Perhaps it was her time with the Girl Scouts that prepared her for one of the most important times in her life.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupPhoto by White House/CNP
Janet Reno, who served as the first-ever female attorney general under former President Bill Clinton, was a lifelong member of the Girl Scouts. When passed away in 2016, the organization composed a blog post about the trailblazing woman, writing, “(She) conducted herself to the highest standards of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and lived a life reflective of the Girl Scout mission.”
Photo by White House/CNPJanet Reno, who served as the first-ever female attorney general under former President Bill Clinton, was a lifelong member of the Girl Scouts. When passed away in 2016, the organization composed a blog post about the trailblazing woman, writing, “(She) conducted herself to the highest standards of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and lived a life reflective of the Girl Scout mission.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupLynn Goldsmith via ZUMA Press
When Debbie Reynolds passed away, the Girl Scouts wrote a touching blog in tribute to her and her late daughter Carrie Fisher. The organization revealed that Reynolds “earned more than 42 badges and even joked that she wanted to become the world’s oldest living Girl Scout.”
Lynn Goldsmith via ZUMA PressWhen Debbie Reynolds passed away, the Girl Scouts wrote a touching blog in tribute to her and her late daughter Carrie Fisher. The organization revealed that Reynolds “earned more than 42 badges and even joked that she wanted to become the world’s oldest living Girl Scout.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupMario Casilli/Shooting Star/Sipa USA
Ever the comedienne, Joan Rivers once told NPR, “When I didn't use my Girl Scouts uniform as a uniform, I used it as a tent.”
Mario Casilli/Shooting Star/Sipa USAEver the comedienne, Joan Rivers once told NPR, “When I didn't use my Girl Scouts uniform as a uniform, I used it as a tent.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupJason Mendez/Sipa USA
Media mogul Martha Stewart has been an outspoken supporter for the Girl Scouts since she was a member herself. She once told ABC News, “Girl scout camp at South Mountain Retreat (in Orange, N.J.) taught me the real love of the outdoors, camaraderie and friendship.”
Jason Mendez/Sipa USAMedia mogul Martha Stewart has been an outspoken supporter for the Girl Scouts since she was a member herself. She once told ABC News, “Girl scout camp at South Mountain Retreat (in Orange, N.J.) taught me the real love of the outdoors, camaraderie and friendship.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupKevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Taylor Swift, a former Girl Scout, still supports the organization. The singer once tweeted, “Girl Scouts came to my meet and greet and brought girl scout cookies. Beyond stoked.”
Kevork Djansezian/Getty ImagesTaylor Swift, a former Girl Scout, still supports the organization. The singer once tweeted, “Girl Scouts came to my meet and greet and brought girl scout cookies. Beyond stoked.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupTony DiMaio / ABACAUSA.COM
Before she became a supermodel, Cheryl Tiegs is another famous face who donned a Girl Scouts uniform once upon a time.
Tony DiMaio / ABACAUSA.COMBefore she became a supermodel, Cheryl Tiegs is another famous face who donned a Girl Scouts uniform once upon a time.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupStephen Smith/SIPA USA
Born in the Midwest (Springfield, Mo., to be exact), film and stage star Kathleen Turner was a Girl Scout long before she captivated us with her performances in movies and plays.
Stephen Smith/SIPA USABorn in the Midwest (Springfield, Mo., to be exact), film and stage star Kathleen Turner was a Girl Scout long before she captivated us with her performances in movies and plays.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupRobert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/TNS
When actress Mary Tyler Moore passed away in 2017, the Girl Scouts wrote a thoughtful blog post about the star, saying she was “an original go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader and a true Girl Scout.”
Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/TNSWhen actress Mary Tyler Moore passed away in 2017, the Girl Scouts wrote a thoughtful blog post about the star, saying she was “an original go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader and a true Girl Scout.”
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupLaura Cavanaugh/Sipa USA
Barbara Walters broke the barrier for women in journalism as the first female co-anchor of a network evening news show. But her incredible journey began as a Girl Scout in Boston.
Laura Cavanaugh/Sipa USABarbara Walters broke the barrier for women in journalism as the first female co-anchor of a network evening news show. But her incredible journey began as a Girl Scout in Boston.
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupChristopher Khoury/Australian Press Agency via ZUMA Wire
Singer, actress, United Nations global ambassador, Girl Scout. The list of Dionne Warwick’s achievements goes on and on!
Christopher Khoury/Australian Press Agency via ZUMA WireSinger, actress, United Nations global ambassador, Girl Scout. The list of Dionne Warwick’s achievements goes on and on!
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Girl Scouts add a new raspberry cookie to the lineupGeorge Walker/Icon SMI via ZUMA Press
According to Parade magazine, tennis star Venus Williams was only a Girl Scout for a week. But she has such fond memories of that week that she told Leader, the Girl Scout magazine, that she wore her uniform sweater for years after leaving the troop.
George Walker/Icon SMI via ZUMA PressAccording to Parade magazine, tennis star Venus Williams was only a Girl Scout for a week. But she has such fond memories of that week that she told Leader, the Girl Scout magazine, that she wore her uniform sweater for years after leaving the troop.
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$84.5M MacKenzie Scott gift shows confidence in Girl ScoutsAP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan, File
FILE - The headquarters of Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails in Albuquerque, N.M., is shown June 7, 2021.
AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan, FileFILE - The headquarters of Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails in Albuquerque, N.M., is shown June 7, 2021.