Former President Bush to Present Daily Points of Light Award on Behalf of the Points of Light Foundation

WASHINGTON, DC (Feb. 3, 2006) — Former President George H.W. Bush will present the Daily Point of Light Award to Ruth Clearfield of College Station, Texas on Monday, Feb. 6 at Texas A&M University. Mrs. Clearfield is receiving the award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to community service.

“Ruth Clearfield embodies the spirit of service,” said Robert K. Goodwin president & CEO of the Points of Light Foundation. “She serves with various nonprofit agencies and is very active in the community. Former President Bush recognizes her spirit, and we are glad he will present this prestigious award.”

Mrs. Clearfield volunteers as a board member of the United Way and the Board of the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, and she is a member of the United Way Marketing Committee and Safety Planning Committee. In addition, Ms. Clearfield is the chair of the Bluebonnet Girl Scout Council Women of Distinction Banquet and Award Ceremony, host of KAMU FM's "Voters Choice" weekly show for the League of Women Voters of Brazos Valley and the publicity chair for the League of Women Voters, Congregation Beth Shalom and Congregation Beth Shalom's Sisterhood.

“It is truly an honor to be a recipient of the Points of Light award. Giving back to one's community through service is a win/win situation – it makes us all stronger,” said Mrs. Clearfield. “I am happy to be a point of light in what can sometimes be a very dark world.”

The origin of the Daily Points of Light program dates back to the administration of former President Bush. Since his first day in office, he devoted special attention to voluntary community service as a means of helping to solve some of America’s most serious social problems. He initiated the Points of Light movement – “a movement to engage all individuals, families, businesses, groups and organizations in America in direct and consequential action to solve community problems.”

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network in partnership with the Knights of Columbus and the Corporation for National and Community Service, gives the Daily Points of Light Award to honor individuals and organizations who have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities and in the nation.

The Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization, provides full funding for the Daily Points of Light Awards program. Supreme Knight, Carl A. Anderson said, “The Knights of Columbus extends sincere congratulations to Ruth Clearfield. We thank her for putting her values into action and for giving unselfish service to others with such energy and commitment. She is an inspiration us all.”

# # #