MADISON, Wis. -- Area Boy Scouts aren't giving up after the Madison City Council voted not to give the scouts any proceeds from Rhythm and Booms, an annual fireworks display. Recently, the council voted to exclude the Scouts because nationally, the group doesn't allow homosexuals.

"It's certainly disappointing to see the council making a political statement at the expense of the Boy Scouts," said Steve Albrechtsen, Boy Scout master.

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However, News 3 has learned the decision is motivating more Scouts and their parents to help out at this year's fireworks festivities.

"We've made a commitment and we're going to continue doing it," said Paul Woodard, father of a Cub Scout. "Scouting is about helping other people, and we'll continue despite the decision."

In the past, about 140 members would be out asking for donations at Rhythm and Booms to help raise money for charities. This year, 200 are on board to send a message of honor and commitment, whether they reap the benefits or not.

"I think this adversity that's been thrust on them by an outside agency has just made them re-double their efforts on behalf of the community," said Terry Kelly, of Madison Fireworks Fund Inc. and organizer of Rhythm and Booms.

To Scout leaders, it's all about the community. For the first time this year, the boys will also volunteer at Elver Park.

Meanwhile, local Scout leaders said they're hoping the national anti-gay policy changes.

"The Madison council has urged the national office to be more tolerant in these matters, I think in time that's something that's going to happen," Albrechtsen said.

But, until it does the Scouts won't see the $2,500 they got last year. However, after the council's decision, some community members sent their own message by giving $10,000 to the group. So, the Scout motto, "Do a good turn daily," will continue to be honored by all.

"That's my approach with Rhythm and Booms in the past, it's my approach this year, and I would hope that it would be my approach in the future," Albrechtsen said.

A Madison City Council official said some alderpersons felt the initial vote to stop giving money to the Scouts happened too quickly and felt they were blindsided. Madison's mayor has already spoken out against the decision. But, when a call to reconsider the decision was placed on the table last Tuesday, it failed.