Lynette McIntire of UPS Reflects upon the Tribute Event
Today’s blog post comes from the upside blog, written by Lynnette McIntire with UPS, published on March 30, 2011.
“Two years ago, Transportation Manager Chip Chappelle volunteered to help The UPS Foundation coordinate an ocean shipment of emergency tents from Indiana to Honduras. Since then, he has managed the logistics of humanitarian aid from every corner of the world to help the victims of floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes and cyclones.
On March 21, Chip was recognized by President George W. Bush at a gala event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., which aired March 28 on NBC. The event celebrated President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara for their achievements in encouraging volunteerism. A video shown at the event showcased how UPSers and UNICEF worked together around the clock to rapidly respond to the needs of Haiti earthquake victims.
President George H.W. Bush is the founder of the Points of Light Institute, an organization that supports the role of volunteers in American communities. Chip said, “I remember President Bush when he announced the Points of Light organization. It touched me then. But I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be honored by him as a single point of light.” He continued, “I am just a small example of how UPSers contribute every day to their communities through volunteer work. Literally hundreds of UPSers in New Jersey, Miami, Louisville, Europe, and other locations worked to serve the Haitian people in the aftermath of the earthquake.”
Chip’s acceptance speech followed a performance by Darius Rucker and was just ahead of singer Carrie Underwood. On stage, Chip identified himself as “just a logistics guy” who had special skills to help others. He encouraged others to volunteer their skills as well as their time.
Four presidents were in the audience, just a few rows ahead of Chip’s three youngest children. Backstage, Chip got to thank the President George H.W. Bush for the honor; he also got to chat about foreign policy with President George W. Bush.
His children were still in the auditorium, Chip said regretfully. “They were too shy to come to the Green Room.””
Tonight NBC Broadcasts “All Together Now: A Celebration of Service” at 8 p.m. EDT
Tonight the Points of Light Institute Tribute “All Together Now: A Celebration of Service” will air at 8:00 p.m. EDT on NBC. We invite you to watch this uplifting program with family and friends. These are some photo highlights from the special evening that focused on national service and volunteerism.
Kid Rock Performs at the Tribute (David Hume Kennerly/Getty Image)
Click here to read an oped by Michelle Nunn and Patrick Corvington, published today in the Huffington Post, “A Tribute to George H. W. Bush’s Legacy of Service.”
Let us know how the event touched and inspired you by joining our Facebook community and posting photos and/or videos from your watching party.
You can also view behind the scenes photos from the event here.
Finally, if you’re a Twitter user, you can tweet live with us tonight by following the #POLTribute hashtag.
Gabrielle and Aiden Levy of Caring Kids Cards Attend Tribute event “All Together Now: A Celebration of Service”
Today’s guest post is written by Gabrielle Levy, co-founder of Caring Kids Cards,
a third grader in Fairfax, Virginia who started volunteering when she was three years old.
event in 2005. We had lots of fun making cards and liked doing it. We decided we wanted to send cards to other places, like senior centers, the military and hospitals. We feel happy to be making the cards because we know people will enjoy them and the cards will put a smile on people’s faces.
One day my brother and I were contacted by Points of Light Institute to be filmed for the Tribute event “All Together Now: A Celebration of Service.” Before we were chosen I talked to the producer about my experience with volunteering and how I became motivated. The filming was in New York. It was exciting because I was never in New York City before.
After we went to New York our segment was cut. I was pretty upset about it. But it was not about being on T.V. it is about making a difference!!
We are glad we were able to go to the event at the Kennedy Center. To get ready for the event we made cards.
David Hume Kennerly Photo
When we arrived at the Kennedy Center we went to a VIP reception. President George H. W. Bush gave a speech. After he was done with the speech my brother and I gave him
we made. He appreciated the cards. We took a picture with him. Then President George H. W. Bush shared the cards with Mrs. Bush. I will share those pictures of us with President George H. W. Bush with people when I talk to them about volunteering.
After the reception we got our tickets. Then we sat down in our seats. After everyone was seated the Presidents came in. The four living Presidents came. Barack Obama was not there. He was on a trip.
We heard people sing, then the Presidents talked, then there was a video. Then more songs then another President would talk and there would be another video. Singers talked also.
After it was over, the Presidents left first. Then everyone else left. Then my family and I went to the parking lot and drove home.
I was sad that the video they filmed of me in New York was not being shown, but in the end I was very happy that we were able to meet President George H. W. Bush and give him our cards. Giving President George H. W. Bush the cards was the best part of my night. It would be neat if President George H. W. Bush’s grandchildren or President Obama’s children made
I had a great once in a life time experience. I am glad I was able to do this with my family. I hope this tribute to President George H. W. Bush helps motivate other kids to volunteer.
My brother Aiden would like to say a few words, “We had a good time at the Kennedy Center. We had lots of fun.”
You are never too young or too old to volunteer!! Thank you President George H. W. Bush for creating a great program, the Points of Light Institute. No matter where you live you can volunteer and it will always be fun.
Some might think that I am too young to volunteer, but that is not true. Volunteering is fun. You can do it with your family. Click
if you want to make some with your family or a group.
Change Notes: The Points of Light Institute Tribute Event
Friends,
Monday night something rare occurred. Four presidents came together and not for an inauguration or a funeral. Presidents Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and George W. Bush joined superstars Garth Brooks, Miranda Cosgrove, Cee Lo Green, Heather Headley, Jonny Lang, Reba McEntire, Sam Moore, Jim Nantz, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock, Darius Rucker, Mavis Staples and Carrie Underwood, among others, for a celebration of President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush’s commitment to the modern day service movement and of the unique spirit of volunteering in America.
Presidents Clinton, Carter, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush at the Tribute
“All Together Now: A Celebration of Service” cast a light on the shared belief in the power of individuals to create change. The evening was a tremendous success – a culmination of much work and support that was inspirational, entertaining and galvanizing. The event’s success simultaneously marked a collective investment made in service and the undeniable role it plays in addressing our nation’s challenges.
We had a goal to raise $30 million dollars. I’m grateful to announce that more than $30 million has been committed. These funds come at a time when Points of Light is increasing investments in innovative programs, in technology, and international outreach to empower and equip volunteers. And with your help we are going to continue to grow the George H.W. and Barbara Bush Legacy Fund. This commitment to the future represents the beginning of the next generation of Points of Light – and we could not have done it without your support.
We invite you to take part in the celebration by gathering with your family and friends to watch NBC’s broadcast of “All Together Now: A Celebration of Service”“All Together Now: A Celebration of Service” this Monday, March 28, at 8 p.m.
Sam Moore and Cee Lo Green perform at the Tribute
Let us know how the event touched and inspired you by joining our Facebook community and posting photos and/or videos from your watching party.
Before Monday’s broadcast, you can visit the following sites for highlight videos and articles about the Tribute:
As we move forward with the momentum from the event, we are excited about continuing this work. Together we can ensure that our most valuable resource – our people – are engaged in answering our nation’s most pressing challenges.
With deep appreciation,
Michelle Nunn
CEO, Points of Light Institute
Co-Founder, HandsOn Network
All Together Now: A Season of Service, Happening Tonight at the Kennedy Center!
Tonight we honor President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush for their leadership in founding and advancing the modern-day service movement in the Tribute event All Together Now: A Celebration of Service in Washington, D.C. The event will be broadcasted for all to watch on Monday March 28th from 8-9 p.m. on NBC. Entertainers include Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, and Carrie Underwood, among others.
This historic event was created to celebrate the power of voluntary action and its essential role in solving our national challenges and to recognize everyone around the nation who are positively changing the lives of others. The audience is made up of many of the Daily Points of Light Award winners along with those who are closely connected to the service movement.
In a Fox News interview earlier this month President George H. W. Bush discussed the importance of volunteering and specifically Points of Light Institute saying:
“I keep repeating there could be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others. That is what the whole concept of Points of Light is about and volunteerism.”
For the full interview of President George H. W. Bush and Former Secretary of State, James Baker III, discussing public service, Points of Light Institute and Ronald Reagan’s 2011 George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service click here.
Tonight we will highlight the strides that volunteering has taken thus far, and share people’s volunteering stories across the U.S. Please join us in celebrating these amazing actions and continue to recognize Points of Light in your communities on our innovative online wall. Those who post can immediately begin helping their communities by signing up for local volunteer opportunities. To post a Tribute, and view the Tribute wall click here.
President George H. W. Bush encourages everyone to get involved in civic service:
“Get in the arena in doing something, making something happen, trying to benefit others, and that’s noble.”
Congressman Todd Platts Honors President George H. W. Bush in a Tribute
Today’s guest post is written by Congressman Todd Platts, who represents the 19th District of Pennsylvania. Sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives in January 2001, Congressman Platts serves the residents of Adams, Cumberland, and York Counties. He has written a Tribute to President George H. W. Bush leading into our Points of Light Institute Tribute event on March 21st in D.C. celebrating his extraordinary life of service.
I am delighted to join with many of my fellow Americans to honor a true leader in national service – President George Herbert Walker Bush. As many of us may remember, on January 20, 1989, President Bush gave his Inaugural Address on the steps of the United States Capitol and pledged to lead America in a way that was a “force for good.”
Long before he addressed the nation that day, President Bush was living out those words. He exemplified bravery as a young pilot in the Navy – a service that nearly cost him his life during World War II. He continued his commitment to service, first as a member of the House of Representatives and later in positions including Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief of the United States Liaison’s Office in the People’s Republic of China, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Vice President and – ultimately – President of the United States of America. In each of these capacities, President Bush epitomized what it means to be an American by contributing his strengths where and when his nation needed it the most. President Bush continues to lead America in service through his humanitarian efforts in partnership with President Clinton.
President Bush’s service has impacted generations of people worldwide. His spirit of national service continues to inspire our nation not only through the lives he has touched, but through the example he has lived. As America continues to address challenges both domestically and abroad, it is with sincere gratitude and admiration that we honor President Bush’s historic leadership and outstanding record of selfless service to others.
Captain Chip Miller of The USS George H. W. Bush Honors President George H. W. Bush
Today’s guest post is written by Captain Chip Miller, Commanding Officer of the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) as a Tribute to President George H. W. Bush and to honor him for the upcoming Points of Light Institute Tribute event celebrating his extraordinary life of service.
“No doubt, President Bush is an inspiration to all. His Points of Light “challenge” has been answered by thousands and the impact both he and Mrs. Bush have had on our country has been profound.
My name is Captain Chip Miller and I have been blessed for the past two years to be the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier that bears his name. A ship that will serve our country honorably for the next 50 years. Every day onboard CVN 77 begins with 3,000 Sailors reciting: “Like our namesake, I am a professional who will serve my country with integrity.” Powerful words that motivate, and will continue to motivate and inspire every Sailor attached to this ship for the next 50 years.
I’d like to describe two programs that flourish onboard CVN 77 because of the profound positive impact of both President and Mrs. Bush:
– Thousand Points of Light across Tidewater: For the last two years on the President’s birth month, we sent 2,000 Sailors to various sites in and around our home port of Norfolk, VA to perform community service. The effort takes months to organize and is coordinated by our Command Religious Ministries Department. In one day, we perform 16,000 Community Service hours. This program is augmented by smaller community service projects conducted every weekend in port. Over a two year period, CVN 77 performed almost 30,000 hours of service to our surrounding communities. We wear the points of light on our command patch and take seriously our namesake’s “challenge” make a difference.
– United Through Reading (UTR) meets The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy: More than one million American children are separated from one or both parents due to military deployment. UTR is a National program designed to unite families facing physical separation due to military deployments and does so on board CVN 77 where deployed Sailors record themselves reading books to their children on board the ship. These recordings are mailed home where their children watch and share an intimate reading experience with their deployed parent. This program holds extra meaning onboard CVN 77 because of Mrs. Barbara Bush’s passion for family literacy. Her motto: “The home is the child’s first school, the parent is the child’s first teacher, and reading is the child’s first subject.” Again, this program holds extra meaning on board the ship that bears the Bush name.
Clearly all who serve in our armed services take great pride in serving our country, but for those of us defending freedom onboard USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77), that service has extra meaning because we also represent our namesake, his family and their legacy.”
Captain Chip Miller
Commanding Officer
USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77)
Entertainer line-up for Tribute event on March 21st: “All Together Now- A Celebration of Service”
Today we announced a star-studded line up for the upcoming Tribute event “All Together Now – A Celebration of Service” on March 21st, celebrating President George H. W. Bush’s leadership in promoting the value of service and volunteerism in American life. Taking place at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., the program willfeatureperformances by Sheryl Crow, Cee Lo Green, Reba McEntire, Sam Moore, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock, Darius Rucker and Carrie Underwood.
“We are excited about the terrific line up for this historic event. These talented performers, as well as NBC and Samsung, are enabling us to pay tribute to President Bush and showcase Points of Light Institute’s mission to inspire, equip and mobilize people to create change”said Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light Institute.
The line-up will bring together some of the biggest acts in country music, soul and rock in a unique program celebrating the powerful role voluntary service can play in overcoming the challenges our communities face in the 21st century.
A limited amount of tickets are now available to public. To find out how to attend click here.
For a seating chart of the Opera House, click here.
**Ticket donations will benefit the Points of Light Institute Service Generation Campaign that will ensure that President George H. W. Bush’s legacy continues to result in innovative solutions to the needs of our time.
NBC will broadcast the celebration on Monday, March 28, from 8 to 9 p.m.Samsung is a supporting partner for the event.
Encore.org Awards Creative Community Problem Solvers
Today we thought we’d highlight a great group of Americans who are doing amazing things in their communities.
The first ever Launch Pad contest awarded grants to people who created innovative solutions to problems facing their communities. The winners represent our great American diversity and both in their backgrounds and in the impact they generate.
From 30,000 nominations, winners of the Encore Launch Pad contest were selected by the public through a month long online voting period.
Points of Light Institute congratulates the five winners!
Anne Cheung, 59, from South Amboy, New Jersey. Cheung will work to develop a cancer support group that will provide information and support to Chinese speaking patients in New York City.
Anthony Genia, 68, from Lauderdale, Minnesota. Genia will create a culturally-responsive entrepreneurship curriculum to orient preteen Native Americans to the U.S. economic system and business world.
Linda Grotberg, 66, from Wimbledon, North Dakota. Grotberg will help local farmers make sunflower oil fuel to support renewable biofuel production which will help increase and maintain small farms and rural communities.
James Robinson, 47, from Huntsville, Alabama. Robinson will provide independent living services to LGBT youth in Alabama at risk for homelessness.
Janine Vanderburg, 57, from Denver, Colorado. Vanderburg will train corporate salespeople in nonprofit fundraising in an intensive fundraising program to help boomers with sales backgrounds transition to nonprofit fundraising.
All five will receive $5,000 each, plus resources and support from the larger Encore.org community to pursue their causes.
“The winners – and the tens of thousands of votes they collectively received – show that growing numbers of Americans in the second half of life are eager to put their ideas and experience to work for the public good,” says Alexandra Céspedes Kent, director of the Purpose Prize, another prize in conjuction with encore.org.
Click here for more information about the finalists and winners.
Who is making a difference in your community? Pay tribute to them here.
Reflections on African American History Month February 2011
Today’s post is written by Chelsea Murphy an External Affairs Coordinator at Points of Light Institute, a sports enthusiast, appreciator of the arts, and a recent graduate from Emory University.
This month Points of Light Institute began creating a galaxy of light by highlighting 1,000 “Points of Light” through tributes displayed on The Points of Light website Tribute Wall.
The Tribute Wall is a place to highlight individuals making a difference in communities everywhere.
Facebook users can share tributes on our Facebook Contest page for a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C. (These posts will automatically also appear on the website Tribute Wall.)
Because African American history month is dedicated to celebrating and remembering the history, accomplishments, and triumphs of African American culture, I decided to specifically honor African Americans who influenced our nation.
To me, Dikembe Mutumbo is the essence of a “Point of Light,” one who has committed himself to improve health, education, and the quality of life of others.
He has been called the most generous athlete in the world for a reason. Not only is he extremely talented in basketball but he also formed the Dikembe Mutumbo foundation to help eradicate childhood diseases in developing countries. His foundation built a hospital in Congo, Africa, which has saved countless lives.
2011’s theme “African Americans and the Civil War” recognizes the efforts of people of African descent to destroy slavery and inaugurate universal freedom in the United States. The theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, urges all Americans to study and reflect on the value of their contribution to the nation.
In theme with the Civil War, I recognize Harriet Tubman as a renowned “Point of Light” of her time, a humanitarian in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, whose actions saved lives and as an abolitionist and spy put her life in danger to aid those who needed help.
Maya Angelou, a civil rights activist, poet, actress and another “Point of Light” in my mind, used her voice to lead others. She once said, “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” I love Maya Angelou’s sentiment and recognize those who have volunteered for the benefit of others and thank those who have given something back in their life.
Won’t you join me in creating a galaxy of light and recognize someone in your own life or to a famous icon like this video tribute to Carter G. Woodson who is honored as the “Father of Black history” on the Points of Light Tribute Wall.
Tonight the Points of Light Institute Tribute “All Together Now: A Celebration of Service” will air at 8:00 p.m. EDT on 
Today’s guest post is written by Captain Chip Miller, Commanding Officer of the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) as a Tribute to President George H. W. Bush and to honor him for the upcoming Points of Light Institute Tribute event celebrating his extraordinary life of service.
Today’s post is written by Chelsea Murphy an External Affairs Coordinator at Points of Light Institute, a sports enthusiast, appreciator of the arts, and a recent graduate from Emory University.