George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards

Honoring Leaders Who Turn Service into Lasting Impact

The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards are the highest honor Points of Light bestows. Each year, they are presented to the leaders, philanthropists, and changemakers whose work reflects President Bush’s conviction that service is the truest measure of a life well lived. Established to carry forward his enduring vision, the awards have become a defining moment on the American civic calendar that brings together and spotlights the people embodying leadership through service.

An Evening of Distinction

The Awards bring together an exceptional group of leaders, including CEOs, philanthropists, cabinet-level officials, nonprofit executives, members of the Bush family, and honorees whose work is creating meaningful change at scale. The evening celebrates service while creating opportunities for recognition, conversation, and connection. Held in the spirit of the 41st President, it brings together people who share his belief that serving others—in every form—is a calling.

A Living Legacy

A Living Legacy

President George H.W. Bush believed that from a thousand points of light, a nation finds its strength. The Awards represent how that belief is endured and carried forward by the leaders who embody it, and the community that gathers to honor them. To be part of this evening—whether as an honoree, sponsor, guest, or nominator—is to take your place in one of the most important expressions of civic leadership in America today.

Save the date! The next Awards will take place on Tuesday, October 13 at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington DC.

2026 Honorees

David M. Rubenstein | 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 | 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 and Morrill Worcester | 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 | 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.

How to Engage

Awardees

    • Maurice R. "Hank" Greenberg

    • Gregg Petersmeyer (America's Promise Alliance)

    • Dynasty Taylor (Dynasty's United Youth Association)

    • Marvin Ellison (Lowe's Companies, Inc.)

    • Arthur M. Blank (Blank Family of Businesses)

    • Patrick Dempsey (Dempsey Center)

    • Ashley Brown (Selfless Love Foundation)

    • Shrusti Amula (Rise N Shine Foundation)

    • Condoleezza Rice

    • Mike and Jacquelyne Love

    • Maria Rose Belding

    • José Andrés

    • Francine A. LeFrak

    • Dr. Ala Stanford

An Ongoing Legacy

President George H.W. Bush championed the idea that each person can be a point of light. This award honors leaders who reflect that belief through sustained impact, service to others, and a deep commitment to the common good. 

 

Past honorees represent some of the most influential leaders across business, philanthropy, and public life, including Arthur M. Blank, Patrick Dempsey, Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith, Mike and Jacquelyne Love, José Andrés, Bryan Stevenson, and Marc and Lynne Benioff.