FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, February 2, 2002

Business Owner and Eagle Scout Fights Boy Scouts of America Discrimination Against Gays

Tax Returns Prepared and Fees Donated to Scouting for All

Fort Lauderdale, FL - CheckMark Services, Inc., an accounting and tax agency in Fort Lauderdale, announced today an offer to prepare 2001 tax returns and to donate all monies earned from doing so to Scouting For All, an organization dedicated to inclusive Scouting. CheckMarkServices, Inc. is owned by Mark LaFontaine, an accountant for over 8 years, with a Masters degree in Taxation from Florida International University.

"As an Eagle Scout, I believe that this would be a great way to do my part to aid Scouting for All ," said LaFontaine . "Since September 11, funding has been scarce for most charities. This is but a small contribution to the great work Scouting For All has accomplished," he concluded.

Scouting For All is a not for profit agency dedicated to the Scouting principles, which they believe embrace inclusiveness. Through education and outreach they are working towards the day when Scouting will truly be for all. Toward this goal, they participate in Pride events nationwide as well as nationwide community forums, meetings and conferences. Their work has garnered national and international support within Scouting calling for an end to discrimination against youth and adults.

"In August '00 we estimated that 40% of our volunteers were Eagle Scouts, and that number is increasing ," said President of Scouting for All, Scott Cozza. "Scouting For All believes in Scouting. We just don't believe in the BSA's current policy of discrimination against gay youth, adults and atheists. Here we are doing what the Boy Scouts of America teaches its scouts to do. It teaches them to stand up against social injustice to help make the world a better place. In this case it just so happens that the BSA is committing the social injustice."

Help Scouting For All bring an end to discrimination in the Boy Scouts of America and mail your current tax information, along with a copy of your prior year return, to:

CheckMark Services, Inc.
c/o Mark LaFontaine, MST
141 NW 46th Court
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33309