Eagle Scout project goes for variety

Typically when a Life Scout sets out to do an Eagle Scout project, it is generally some sort of construction-related endeavor.

Mitchel Anderson installed creative bike racks near the Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguards headquarters, and Ken Gironda built a much-needed patio awning for the Brothers of St. Patrick in Midway City. But Life Scout Quinton Fults decided to take an unconventional route and organize a variety show.

The 17-year-old senior at Brethren Christian High School, in Huntington Beach, who dabbles in bluegrass music and magic, wanted to do something more creative and more in his wheelhouse.

“I had a little trouble getting approval through the [Boy Scout] board, but at the end of the day, the Eagle project demonstrates leadership and is for the benefit of a beneficiary,” Quinton said.

“This was no easy task putting a show together. There’s a whole bunch of moving parts. We have different teams focusing on different areas of the project.”

The show was held Friday night at Mariners Church in Irvine. It featured magician Nathan Pham from the reality TV show “America’s Got Talent,” folk musician Ross Altman and several other acts.

Quinton’s project benefited Working Wardrobes — a Costa Mesa-based nonprofit that provides professional outfits to those in need. Fults asked attendees to bring a pair of new or lightly used men’s or women’s dress shoes for admission to the show.

Megan Harless, vice president of business development for the nonprofit, said the project netted 210 pairs of women’s shoes and 95 pairs of men’s.

“When Quinton came to us with the idea, we landed on shoes because it’s one of the items we don’t get nearly enough donated, especially shoes that are in good shape,” Harless said. “People will come and donate shoes, but they’re very worn and we will only provide to our clients shoes that are new or gently worn. Because it’s all about dignity and respect and making people feel good and confident. It’s part of the work that we do.”

Quinton said the last thing he wanted to do was ask people for money or build something for an organization. His goal wasn’t just to help Working Wardrobes but to have other Boy Scouts think outside the box when it comes to their Eagle Scout projects.

“The reason for denying this show would be because this isn’t like any other Eagle project,” he said. “But the reason it got approved was because it is not like any other Eagle project. We’re doing something completely different and I’m excited.”