His philanthropy is without bounds.

For all of his support to various community organizations throughout the Carbon County area, it was finally time for Richard L. Nothstein to bask in the limelight.Joined by family and friends, Nothstein received the 2014 Carbon County Distinguished Citizen Award from the North Valley District, Minsi Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America, on Thursday night.Nothstein, a Palmerton borough councilman who also co-owns Country Harvest Family Market of Palmerton, received the accolade as part of the Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council, Carbon County Friends of Scouting Dinner at Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton.The award recognizes a person who set positive examples for others, and demonstrate selfless concern and care for their communities.Jaime Mendes, vice president of operations for PenTeleData, served as emcee for the fundraiser for Scouting programs.Participants included Boy Scout Troop 20, chartered by St. John Lutheran Church in Palmerton; Boy Scout Troop 41, chartered by Trinity Lutheran Church in Palmerton; and Boy Scout Troop 209, chartered by the Palmerton Rod and Gun Club in Palmerton.Mendes said, "Richard and his wife, Darlene, are true philanthropists to many different organizations which we will highlight tonight."George Duell, Army Reserve Ambassador, spoke of the many achievements in Nothstein's life.Duell said that Nothstein's life experiences are what helped shaped the person he has become.He added that Nothstein continues to give of his time, talent, and treasure, and is dedicated to helping those in need.Duell then presented Nothstein with the award.Nothstein, who received a standing ovation from the audience, reflected on his life.Visibly touched by the gesture, he thanked his wife, Darlene, whom he said is his number one supporter.Nothstein recognized several volunteer groups, in particular: Special Olympics PA Carbon County, the Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches pantry and the veterans groups.He concluded by telling the audience that it's not what a person gathers in life, but, rather, what they scatter, that tells of what kind of life they've lived.Along with his wife, Nothstein presented special flags to each of the Scout troops, as well as Ed Moyer, commander of American Legion Post 269 of Palmerton.Mendes told Nothstein it was a true honor to be a part of the event, and that the area is blessed to have a person like him in the community.Timm Berger, from state Rep. Doyle Heffley's office, also presented a citation.ScoutingMendes thanked people for their support. More than $17,000 was raised in support of local Scouting programs.He recognized the various sponsors of the event, whom he said, "are one of the reasons why this 2014 Friends of Scouting Dinner is so successful."Mendes recognized Sheri Anthony, Susie Arner, Joe Bennett, Lori Buck, Barbara Green, and Michael Harleman from the dinner committee, whom he referred to as the "group of people who are especially responsible for the success of this event.""The real reason we are all here today is because we believe in what the Scouting program can do for our youth," Mendes said.Mendes invited two Scouts to talk about the importance Scouting holds in their lives.Sean Hall, of Troop 41 in Palmerton, said he already has his plans for his Eagle Scout project, which is to make three picnic benches and plant trees for his church.Hall, who said he would like to become an architect, praised Boy Scouts for the major impact it has had on his life.Ryan Borger, of Troop 41 in Palmerton, said Boy Scouts teaches lessons and skills to use for a lifetime.Borger, who said he would like to become an aerospace engineer, said Scouting has taught him what it means to be a citizen and what is expected of him.Craig Poland, Scout Executive of the Minsi Trails Council, praised the audience for their record-setting evening.Minsi Trails Council provides leadership and character development programs to nearly 11,500 youth with 4,000 adult volunteers, Poland said.The council serves young people throughout the Anthracite Region, Pocono Mountains and Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania along with western New Jersey and serves six-counties: Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, Carbon, Luzerne and Warren counties.The event ended with a slide show presentation that included pictures of causes near and dear to Nothstein's heart.