The 2026 George H.W. Bush
ABOUT THE CELEBRATION
The evening recognizes leaders whose service and philanthropy inspire others to act. More than a moment of recognition, this award honors what is best in us. Volunteering changes the way people engage with each other and their communities. This evening celebrates those who bring these values to life and supports Points of Light’s mission so every person can create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 6 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.
David M. Rubenstein | 2026 Honoree
The Carlyle Group
David M. Rubenstein is an investor, philanthropist, interviewer, author, and historian. He is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm. Mr. Rubenstein is a recipient of The Presidential Medal of Freedom and an original signer of The Giving Pledge. A leader in the area of Patriotic Philanthropy, Mr. Rubenstein as made transformative gifts for the restoration of American landmarks and monuments, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He is a New York Times best-selling author and the host of Peer-to-Peer Conversations and Wealth on Bloomberg TV and Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein on PBS.
Evan Spiegel | 2026 Honoree
Snap Inc.
Evan Spiegel is the co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc. Snap is a technology company that empowers people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world and have fun together. In 2017, he formed the Spiegel Family Fund, which is committed to philanthropy in California and across the United States. The Spiegel Family Fund is dedicated to supporting human progresses through the arts, education, housing, and human rights. Spiegel and Snap co-founder Bobby Murphy also created the Snap Foundation, dedicated to developing pathways to the creative economy for underrepresented youth in Los Angeles.
Karen & Morrill Worcester | 2026 Honoree
Wreaths Across America
Karen Worcester has served as executive director of Wreaths Across America since the nonprofit was founded in 2007. With more than 45 years of experience supporting and stewarding the Worcester family’s businesses, Worcester brings deep organizational leadership and a passion for service to her role. As a co-founder of Wreaths Across America, she is widely recognized as a tireless advocate for honoring our nation’s veterans and engaging communities across the country in acts of remembrance.
Morrill Worcester is the founder of Worcester Wreath Company and Wreaths Across America. In 1992, when Worcester Wreath Company found itself with a surplus of holiday wreaths, Worcester arranged to have them placed at Arlington National Cemetery during the holiday season. What began as a quiet act of remembrance eventually grew into a nationwide movement. In 2007, Wreaths Across America was formally established as a nonprofit organization with the mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
Olivia Zhang | 2026 Honoree
Cancer Kids First
Zhang is the founder and CEO of Cancer Kids First. Launched when she was just 14, the organization empowers young people to support pediatric cancer patients by normalizing the hospital environment and providing a loving community. Sparked by the loss of her grandfather and elementary school teacher to cancer, Zhang channeled her grief into action—building what is now the largest youth-led force in pediatric cancer support, with over 43,000 volunteers across 80 countries. She leads all aspects of the organization from strategy and partnerships to impact tracking to support 15,000 patients in 22 countries.
Michael Smerconish | Master of Ceremonies
Sirius XM Radio & CNN
Michael Smerconish is the host of a daily radio program heard nationwide on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel 124 from 9a.m. – Noon ET. He is also the host of CNN’s “Smerconish,” which airs Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET.
He was a longtime newspaper columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News and Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer.
He is the author of eight books. He has donated all of the proceeds for five of them to charity. One was a novel, TALK, for which the television rights were optioned by Warner Brothers. His latest non-fiction book is titled: Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right: American Life in Columns.
His one-man, live performance, “Things I Wish Knew Before I Started Talking” debuted on Hulu and is currently streaming on Amazon, Apple and Google.
He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Lehigh University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and resides in the Philadelphia suburbs where he and his wife have raised four children.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Your support honors extraordinary leaders and strengthens the work that makes volunteering possible. Together, we will elevate service as a force for connection and resilience and invite more people to step forward.
Honorary Co-Chairs
President Bill Clinton
President George W. Bush
President Barack Obama
President Joseph R. Biden
Steering Committee
Neil Bush
Jean Becker
Mary Pat Decker
Pamela D. Everhart
Diane Melley
Gregg Petersmeyer
Eric Tanenblatt
With Support from the Bush Family
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush
Jenna Bush Hager and Henry Hager
Barbara Bush and Craig Coyne
Governor Jeb and Columba Bush
Jeb, Jr. and Sandra Bush
Noelle Bush
Neil and Maria Bush
Lauren Bush Lauren and David Lauren
Pierce and Sarahbeth Bush
Ashley Bush and Julian Lefevre
Dr. Elizabeth Andrews and Kevin Joseph
Pace Andrews
Alexander Andrews
Marvin and Margaret Bush
Marshall Bush
Charles ‘Walker’ and Lora Bush
Dorothy Bush Koch and Bobby Koch
Sam and Lee Leblond
Ellie and Nick Sosa
Robert and Katherine Koch
George P. and Amanda Bush
Gigi Koch
Craig and Dorothy Stapleton
Wendy Stapleton
George H. and Nancy Walker
Learn About Past Recipients
Learn more about how past recipients of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards honor the traits of our 41st president.