Amplifying Change: The Inspiring Work of the 2023 George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards
President George H.W. Bush left a legacy of shaping the United States into “a kinder and gentler nation” in the face of a dramatically changing world. In his Inaugural Address, he used his voice to pledge American strength as “a force for good,” and when he founded Points of Light in 1990, he continued that promise. As his legacy foundation, he envisioned Points of Light as a conduit for doing more good in the world by helping people become deeply involved with and connected to their communities.
Today, through
, we celebrate our 41st president’s enduring legacy of integrity, empathy, respect, optimism, conviction in the face of opposition, and belief in the power of the human spirit to create positive change. This event honors individuals who demonstrate the transformative power of service, and who are driving significant and sustained impact through their everyday actions and words that light the path for other points of light.
“We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a thousand points of light… we all have something to give.”
— President George H.W. Bush, founder of Points of Light
These honorees include leaders from various spheres — music, politics, business and grassroots activism — channeling their expertise and passion into arenas of social impact.
Mike & Jacquelyne Love: Philanthropy and Legacy in Harmony
, has channeled the fame and resources garnered over the years towards the uplifting of communities globally — focusing intensely on environmental and educational avenues. Jacquelyne, a force to reckon with in the realms of business and fashion, has joined hands with Mike, injecting fresh vibrancy and commitment towards philanthropic causes, and also touching lives across the world.
Their efforts have seen them at the forefront of critical initiatives, including their involvement in the Thousand Points of Light initiative launched by President George H.W. Bush. They took their commitment further by steering the Points of Light Awards in 2019, leveraging their influence to foster a culture of getting involved. Their sustained focus on education and environmental conservation has garnered them accolades, including the Seven Generations Award presented to Mike by City Year in 2013, signifying a legacy characterized not just by musical genius but by a deep-seated desire to nurture the next generations.
Condoleezza Rice: A Lifetime of Service and Education
, a steady presence in public service and education, boasts a career dotted with numerous high-ranking positions, including serving as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State. She made history, breaking racial and gender barriers to become the first Black woman to occupy such pivotal roles in government. Alongside her political career, Rice has nurtured a strong connection with Stanford University, evolving from a faculty member since 1981 to becoming the provost, to her current role as
, laying a pathway of dedication to education and public service.
Rice’s intellectual vigor is mirrored in her literary contributions, with a plethora of books and publications to her credit. Her entrepreneurship journey saw her becoming a part-owner of the Denver Broncos, showcasing her multifaceted persona. Beyond the political and business spheres, Rice has been a cornerstone in educational philanthropy, contributing to the upliftment of underserved communities through initiatives like the Center for a New Generation, a beacon for extended learning and after-school programs, representing a lifetime of dedication to fostering knowledge and service.
Robert F. Smith: Business Acumen Meets Generous Philanthropy
Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners,
stands as a towering figure in both the business and philanthropic spheres. Beyond building a successful business through strategic technology investments, Smith has deeply invested in preserving Black American history, fostering environmental conservation and revolutionizing music education through the
. His business acumen and philanthropic endeavors have blended to create a legacy of liberating the human spirit through nurturing heritage and education.
His philanthropic journey reached a pivotal moment when he became the first Black American to sign the Giving Pledge, earmarking the majority of his wealth for philanthropic ventures. Smith’s gestures extend to practical empowerment, such as erasing the student loan debt for Morehouse College’s 2019 graduating class and their guardians. This monumental step inspired the inception of
(SFI), which supports students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Smith’s vision and commitment continue to bridge gaps and foster inclusivity, underscoring a mission to bring about tangible, transformative change in society.
Rebecca & Christyn Taylor: United in Hope and Resilience
embody hope and resilience, fueling their dedication to supporting children battling pediatric pancreatitis. Despite Rebecca’s personal health challenges, which involved numerous surgeries and considerable medical treatment, her spirit remained undeterred. Supported by her mother Christyn, Rebecca morphed her suffering into hope, initiating “
,” a nonprofit organization dedicated solely to pediatric pancreatitis, and launching a global movement for change.
The organization has broken ground in fostering research partnerships with global entities and facilitating advancements in medical care. Leveraging the power of storytelling through “Rebecca’s Wish: The Documentary,” they have showcased the courage and determination of young individuals battling the disease. The Taylor duo has infused hope into the community through medical grants, scholarships and awareness campaigns. Their journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, portraying the spirit of unity and the unyielding determination to foster change in the face of adversity, illuminating the path for many others.
The impact of these honorees resides in President Bush’s legacy of service and that we all have something to give. Every action matters, big or small. We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves. Each story –spanning art, politics and health – resonates deeply with a shared commitment to fostering goodwill. The experiences and actions of these individuals remind us of the power of President Bush’s vision for a better world.
We are honored to recognize these individuals at
. The awards honorindividuals who demonstrate the transformative power of service and who are driving significant and sustained impact through their everyday actions and words that light the path for other points of light. The power of recognition resonated with Bathgate.
It’s his success in his professional life that propelled him into his service. As an accomplished lawyer and co-founding partner at Bathgate, Wegener, and Wolf P.C., his practice areas include real estate, business transactions, municipal law, mergers and acquisitions, wills, trusts and estates, patent infringement litigation and class actions. But his proudest accomplishment may be one of his quietest. His firm offers scholarships to children of staff. When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the court system, and no revenue was coming in, he continued to support the students he had committed to.
“If a person has been blessed, then they have an obligation to contribute, to share their time and energy and resources and ideas,” said Bathgate.
Bathgate’s impact has been far and wide, reaching across the aisle and the country through his roles on several boards of directors, including the Board of Visitors at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; a Council Member of The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, D.C.; the National Committee of the Arts of the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.; The Board of Boy Scouts of America, New York Council; and the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark.When asked how he became involved and what motivated him to stay engaged, he had a simple answer.
“I’ve always said yes to things,” Bathgate said.
He recounted the story of getting out of law school and starting his first job in his hometown. The phone rang, and an assemblyman from Ocean County asked him to be the driver for the assemblyman and a gubernatorial candidate. Bathgate said yes, and the trio ended up in a picture on the front page of the newspaper.
He went on to get involved with the Boy Scouts and his local community college. He became president of the animal shelter in Ocean County and worked to raise funds for it. He helped raise campaign funds for gubernatorial candidates by rallying donors. All those efforts led to his becoming parliamentarian of the New Jersey State Assembly when he was just 29 years old.
Twelve years later, he would host a fundraiser for presidential candidate George H.W. Bush. Bush was a champion of volunteerism and community service, and Bathgate recognized something in him that he knew would resonate with people. Bush’s values and approach to service stood out, and Bathgate knew Bush was poised to serve the country. And he was right because, not only did Bush become America’s forty-first president, but he later went on to found Points of Light, with a mission that champions civic engagement around the world.
“One of the best things Points of Light does is shows, on the international stage, how much American volunteerism is alive and well,” Bathgate explained. “In other countries, the government might pay for arts centers, hospitals, museums. In America, philanthropic support is the architecture of these places, and volunteers give their time to operate them.”
With the backbone of philanthropic support and giving his time to causes he cares about, Bathgate has built a legacy of service throughout his lifetime. When asked how he measures the impact of service and ensures his efforts are making a meaningful difference, Bathgate pointed to perseverance.
“It’s a continuum,” he said. “You don’t get to a goal and then you’re done. You move on to the next one. There’s always a new goal to reach for. You donate time, energy, resources.”
And when it comes to his best advice to share with someone who is interested in getting involved in community service, he had three tips.
“Number one, be polite and be kind. Number two, always be on time,” he advised. “Number three, say yes to things. Get involved.”
Lawrence E. Bathgate, II, is a prime example of someone who drives real sustainable change using the various pathways of the Points of Light Civic Circle:
Voice
Mr. Bathgate’s involvement in civic and political activities, including serving as the Parliamentarian of the New Jersey State Assembly, demonstrates his engagement in public discourse and advocating for causes close to his heart.
Volunteer
His work with the animal shelter in Ocean County and the Boy Scouts of America exemplifies Mr. Bathgate’s dedication to hands-on volunteerism and the importance of working with his community.
Donate
Mr. Bathgate’s involvement in raising funds through large-scale fundraisers for political campaigns highlights his commitment to contributing money, time and resources to causes he supports, ensuring they have the necessary financial backing to succeed.
Social Entrepreneur
As a co-founding partner at Bathgate, Wegener, and Wolf P.C., Mr. Bathgate leverages his legal expertise to make a significant impact within the business realm, contributing to the economic growth and development of his community.
Listen & Learn
Participation in various boards and committees, such as the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, reflects Mr. Bathgate’s dedication to staying informed and continuously learning, enabling him to make more informed decisions and contribute to the greater good.
Service
Active engagement in civic and philanthropic activities, including his involvement with The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards, exemplifies Mr. Bathgate’s commitment to celebrating the power of recognition and making a tangible positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
Vote
As a longtime political fundraiser, Bathgate understands the importance of facilitating the political process and supporting candidates who champion cause areas he values.
The Power of Recognition in Civic Engagement: A Changemaker’s Perspective
I’ve been working to put an end to people experiencing homelessness since I was eight years old. I started Khloe Kares in 2015 as a way of working with people experiencing homelessness. We teach leadership workshops that build changemakers, and I take trips to Ghana where I install water pumps and bathroom facilities in schools that don’t have access to clean water. I never imagined I’d be able to make such a big impact, but after becoming Daily Point of Light Honoree #6663 and The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award 2019 Honoree, I understand the importance of recognition.
Being a George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award Honoree has opened doors for me as part of my recognition, I received a grant that supported my work in Ghana to help end their water crisis. At the award ceremony I had the opportunity to meet Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. That meeting led me to a one-on-one interview with Secretary Clinton. Recognition like this made me realize that civic engagement is about more than just how good it makes you feel. It’s about how it motivates you and positions you to do more.
I know I would not have been able to reach as many volunteers or people to further my cause without recognition. One of my first times being recognized was when I went on this show called The Real, a daytime talk show. This opportunity led to me getting awards, grants and so much more, but that’s not what made me fully successful. You don’t have to rely on recognition to be successful, but it will push you further and grow what your organization can do. With everything that nonprofits do, volunteer recognition may seem less important, but I promise you, it makes all the difference for your volunteers and your organization. I make sure I always recognize those who volunteer and support Khloe Kares because I feel it’s crucial to recognize those who help build and support the work we do.
Recognition is the puzzle piece that all changemakers need to make their projects thrive. To maximize your impact in your community, you need support, which comes from others. Whether it’s through a partner organization, family, friends or other willing volunteers, the most successful organizations understand the value of recognizing their most invested supporters. These connections can open so many doors which lead to new opportunities in life. It’s important to build relationships in order to continue the support.
Points of Light has done a lot of research on social impact. And they collaborate with corporate sponsors like UPS, Bank of America, KPMG, and Starbucks. These are all major partnerships that support people, nonprofits and companies. These partners collaborate and uplift their employee volunteers by nominating them for the Daily Point of Light Award and when they’re recognized they bring awareness and opportunity to their employee volunteer programs. The Daily Point of Light Award has been able to change people’s lives, just by recognizing all the ways they contribute and volunteer. For example, 83% of respondents say receiving the Daily Point of Light Award made them feel appreciated while 48% say receiving the Daily Point of Light Award elevated their issue or cause. And 27% report that the Daily Point of Light Award attracted volunteers to their organization.
You can start to see how recognition is so crucial to growing your impact. And it works right into the Points of Light Civic Circle®, a framework that helps people connect to opportunities and understand that doing good comes in many forms. By putting the elements together, you can grow your impact in your community. When you’re recognized in a sector like this one, when you are put on the front lines your impact will spread like a wildfire. Even though recognition comes and goes you are forever contacted, supported or just have an overall community that surrounds you. Plus, when all can see your work, you’re able to motivate and inspire others to want to become changemakers. Whenever I feel as if I need some inspiration, I look to those around me. And when we all work together with that same mindset, we really can change the world.
I make sure to connect and work with other organizations, because working together helps us grow and create friendships and relationships. Points of Light connects nonprofits, corporations and individuals so that we can address the world’s changing needs together. They provide calls to action that keep you wanting to work with your community. Recognition is one of the things that started Points of Light — it’s at the heart of their mission, and it’s one of the ways to motivate volunteers that is closest to my heart.
Maurice Greenberg Leads Organization to Support Initiatives Across the Globe
The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards took place on October 24, 2022. This event, our fourth annual celebration, honored individuals who are driving measurable and sustained change in their communities and beyond. One of this year’s honorees is Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg, chairman and CEO of Starr Insurance Companies, a global insurance and investment organization founded by Cornelius Vander Starr in 1919 in Shanghai, China. A decorated United States Army veteran, he served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict, rising to the rank of Captain and serving as a company commander. Now, his efforts are focused on the business and philanthropic sectors.
Mr. Greenberg retired as Chairman and CEO of American International Group (AIG), which became the first fully licensed foreign insurance company in China. Under his nearly 40 years of leadership, AIG grew from an initial market value of $300 million to $180 billion, becoming the largest insurance company in the world.
Currently, he serves as chair of The Starr Foundation, a philanthropic organization initially funded by Cornelius Vander Starr’s estate. The Starr Foundation has now grown to become one of the largest private foundations in the United States, awarding more than $3.8 billion in grants worldwide to a wide variety of academic, medical, cultural and public policy organizations around the world.
Among his numerous appointments, Mr. Greenberg also served as vice chairman of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, honorary vice chairman of the Council on Foreign Relations and as a member of the Board of the US-China Business Council.
In 1990, he was appointed by Zhu Rongji as Shanghai’s first chairman of the International Business Leaders’ Advisory Council (IBLAC). Greenberg has been named an honorary citizen of Shanghai and was appointed as a Senior Economic Advisor to the Beijing Municipal Government.
Mr. Greenberg holds many awards, having been presented with the Friendship Medal for Contribution to China’s Reform by President Xi Jinping in 2018 – one of only two Americans among 10 foreign leaders to receive this honor.
We’re thrilled to celebrate Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg and his powerful examples of leadership this year as one of our 2022 honorees of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards.
The George H.W. Bush Awards Celebration of 2022 was All About Legacy
Points of Light held its fourth annual celebration of
Andrés had the opportunity to accept his award in person with an inspiring acceptance speech that paid tribute to the many hands it takes to make a vision like World Central Kitchen come to life. Jeff Greenberg,
chair and CEO, Aquiline Capital Partners LLC,
accepted on his father’s behalf, and talked about his father’s legacy of service in all of his roles, from decorated United States Army veteran to philanthropist to Chairman and CEO.
The Co-Chairs
The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards brings a long-standing presidential legacy, as Points of Light was founded by President George H.W. Bush himself. Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama once again served as honorary co-chairs of the event, with Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, Lauren Bush Lauren, Mike and Jacquelyne Love, Wendy Stapleton and Andy and Marie Unanue serving as co-chairs for this year’s in-person event. Linsey Davis, ABC News anchor and correspondent, was the emcee.
The Entertainment
The evening featured a beautiful performance by Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer duo, Branford Marsalis with Joey Calderazzo. Ukrainian singer and 2022 Grammy performer Mika Newton wowed the audience with her voice and moving performance.
Everyday Inspiration
Andrés and Greenberg weren’t the only individuals honored during the evening. Each year,
celebrates acts of service, kindness and civic engagement by individuals who create change in communities around the world. At The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards this year, 20 of these individuals were honored as
The event is an annual fundraiser for Points of Light and the 2022 proceeds will continue to support our mission of inspiring, equipping and mobilizing people to take action that changes the world.
It was an inspiring evening of celebration, recognizing extraordinary acts of civic engagement and impactful individuals at this year’s The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards. Check out
The fourth annual celebration ofThe George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards honored incredibly inspiring individuals who are making sizable impacts on their communities and in the world.
José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, educator and humanitarian. He was named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in both 2012 and 2018 and awarded the 2015 National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama.
As the chef/owner of the award-winning José Andrés Group, Andrés has been a pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States and is also known for his groundbreaking avant-garde cuisine. Recently launched in 2021, José Andrés Media specializes in television, books, podcasts, and digital content with a focus on food- and culture-related stories. As a naturalized citizen originally from Spain, Andrés has also been a tireless advocate for immigration reform.
Andrés’ nonprofit,World Central Kitchen, has provided essential goods and services in the realm of disaster relief. FollowingHurricane Ian, the organization provided more than 800,000 meals in just the two weeks to the people of Florida. The team has continued to provide meals to people in crisis on six different continents, including responding to the war in Ukraine by providing hundreds of millions of meals to displaced people.
World Central Kitchen has also partnered with thousands of restaurants, farmers and community leaders around the country to combat food and nutrition insecurity, laying the groundwork for smarter national food policy.
Points of Light is proud to recognize Andrés as a changemaker who is driving significant and sustained impact through his efforts.
