Points of Light 2020 Conference Update

The Points of Light Conference is an event that we all look forward to attending, to connect with peers and hear innovative solutions in driving transformative change. Today, the health of our global community is in a fragile state. Partners from around the world, and even organizations like ours, are feeling the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The work to flatten the curve is imperative to the health and wellbeing of our communities and is forcing many organizations to alter plans for the immediate future.

In March, we released a survey to gain insights about what would be most important and of highest value in transitioning to an online experience. The response was overwhelming and very informative. Coupled with feedback from our partners and taking into consideration the continued impact of COVID-19, we have made the decision to pivot from an in-person convening to an online experience.

The 2020 Points of Light Conference Digital Community will offer relevant and timely content, ways to engage with presenters and each other, and a new on-demand platform for knowledge sharing and community building that will live beyond the conference as a resource for the sector.

Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and Points of Light’s own investment, current registrants of the conference will be given early access to register for the online experience. There are a number of details to work out over the next several weeks, including opening the conference to new registrants. An invitation to register for complimentary access to the digital community will follow soon. Sign up for our conference newsletter to be the first to know when registration is open! For more questions, please see the FAQ page of our website.

We appreciate your continued interest in Points of Light and look forward to welcoming you to the conference experience and to a community that will live beyond the conference as an ongoing and dynamic community for the sector.

Purpose 360 Podcast and Points of Light to Illuminate ‘Humanity at its Best’ During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose 360 Podcast, a podcast focused on the power of purpose for business and social impact, is launching a special series, Purpose 360: Humanity at its Best. Created in conjunction with Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, the new series will share positive stories that celebrate our shared humanity in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Purpose 360 producers and storytelling partner Points of Light are inviting the public to share uplifting stories about their experiences throughout the pandemic. Hosted by Carol Cone, CEO of Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, and Kristin Kenney, Senior Associate at Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, the show will include short interviews in each episode, distributed multiple times each week.

“This pandemic has shown our global interconnectedness like never before. We live in an era of shared responsibility, so we are pivoting Purpose 360 to provide a platform for people to share stories how the crisis brings out the best in people,” said Cone.

“Since our founding, we have recognized, and celebrated people have answered the call to make a difference in their communities – points of light,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Despite the global crisis COVID-19 has brought upon us, acts of kindness and good deeds are unrelenting. By sharing those powerful stories, we hope to bring moments of joy, comfort and inspiration to people around the world.”

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to nominate themselves or anyone with an inspiring story by emailing [email protected]. Interviews will be approximately 3-5 minutes each, conducted by phone. Producers will contact those selected to provide additional detail.

“These stories are deeply needed now. Around the world, people are helping one another, sparking little moments of joy, reaching out to those in need, and bringing our global community together in the midst of a trying and uncertain time,” said Kenney.

About Purpose 360 Podcast

Purpose 360 Podcast is a masterclass in unlocking the potential of purpose to ignite business and social impact. The show is co-hosted by Carol Cone, CEO of Carol Cone ON PURPOSE and one of the world’s foremost experts in CSR and purpose, and Chris Noble, CEO of Matchfire and a cause marketing expert. Purpose 360 guests have included leaders from Unilever, JetBlue, McDonald’s, REI, United Way, JUST Capital, TOMS, New York Times, AB InBev, and dozens more. To subscribe and listen to past episodes, visit purpose360podcast.com.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 250 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit: www.pointsoflight.org.

Points of Light Marks April 2020 as First-Ever “Global Volunteer Month”

Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, announced today it would make April 2020 the first-ever “Global Volunteer Month” to recognize the thousands of people around the world who serve as points of light in their own communities – and in light of COVID-19, as a galvanizing moment to inspire and activate the volunteers who will help support the most vulnerable populations in the weeks and months ahead.

“Over the past few weeks, we have seen powerful stories of everyday citizens around the world rising to the occasion to lift up their local communities in a time of crisis, provide a lending hand to their neighbors, help keep the lights on at small businesses and donate to important causes from the safety of their homes,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “While the idea for Global Volunteer Month was conceived long before we knew what devastating effects COVID-19 would leave on our society, we believe more than ever that now is the time to recognize people for their current and longtime support of our communities. We are seeing innovative ways to help at a critical moment in history when the nonprofit industry and our hometowns both need support – and the solution is people power.”

With lead partner Phillips 66 and supporting partner The UPS Foundation, Points of Light is asking other nonprofits, corporations and individuals alike to create a ‘virtual volunteerism’ movement throughout the month of April by flooding newsfeeds and social media channels with positive stories of people making an impact in their local communities using the hashtag #LocalLight.

“During these tough times, we at Phillips 66 feel compelled to lend a helping hand to those that need it most,” said Sonya Reed, senior vice president, human resources and corporate communications of Phillips 66. “We also know the road ahead is going to be tough for many – and that support at all levels will be needed to help fill the gaps as the world responds to COVID-19, which is why we are honored to partner with such an important organization like Points of Light to launch Global Volunteer Month this April.”

To find creative ways to get involved, volunteers are encouraged to visit Points of Light’s website for more information on how they can make an impact in their local community, including:

Learn: explore resources on virtual volunteerism and safety recommendations for people that choose to volunteer inside and outside of their home.
Find: search a data base for virtual volunteer opportunities, DIY projects that you can do from your home, and local Points of Light affiliates to learn what your community needs.
Share: inspire others with the stories of people who are taking part in virtual volunteerism or uplifting their community in new and inventive ways by posting on social media, sharing how you’re being a local point of light in your community.

Those who wish to participate in Global Volunteer Month are encouraged to use #LocalLight for social media posts related to Global Volunteer Month.

About Points of Light

About Phillips 66

Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a portfolio of Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses, the company processes, transports, stores and markets fuels and products globally. Phillips 66 Partners, the company’s master limited partnership, is integral to the portfolio. Headquartered in Houston, the company has 14,500 employees committed to safety and operating excellence. Phillips 66 had $59 billion of assets as of Dec. 31, 2019. For more information, visit www.phillips66.com or follow us on Twitter @Phillips66Co.

About The UPS Foundation

Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, The UPS Foundation leads its global citizenship programs and is responsible for facilitating community involvement to local, national, and global communities. In 2019, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $123.8 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/Foundation and @UPS_Foundation on Twitter.

POINTS OF LIGHT WELCOMES AT&T EXECUTIVE AS NEW CORPORATE SERVICE COUNCIL CHAIR

Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, announced today AT&T Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Charlene Lake, will serve as the chair of the Points of Light Corporate Service Council.

“As companies are reframing the relationship between their business values and social challenges in ways that recapture the core of their work, we are honored to have the leadership of Charlene and her team,” said Natalye Paquin, president & CEO, Points of Light. “I look forward to our work together to develop frameworks and benchmarks that will help companies take critical steps to align their business values and positive solutions towards Sustainable Development Goals.”

In her role at AT&T, Charlene drives corporate responsibility strategy addressing key environmental, economic, and social challenges. In addition, she oversees AT&T’s stakeholder impact measures, reputation and signature initiatives that connect social needs with business objectives.

“Making a difference in our world is a core company value. AT&T employees have a deep passion to make things better for our communities and the people in them because healthy communities are the foundation for healthy companies,” said Charlene. “This is why we’ve long collaborated with Points of Light and supported the CSC’s commitment to driving lasting impact.”

Points of Light created CSC to bring together corporate citizenship leaders and drive lasting social change. Members of the council including some of the world’s largest Fortune 500 companies. Points of Light believes that companies, their employees, partners, vendors and customers can be drivers of transformative change when employees are inspired and engaged as participants in their company’s social action.

Points of Light is grateful for the support and effort of outgoing CSC Chair; President of The UPS Foundation; Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at UPS, Eduardo Martinez. His dynamic leadership helped to focus members on issues such as engaging employees as partners in diverse and inclusive communities, to strategies that addressed human trafficking through employee education and engagement. UPS will continue to be a long-time global partner of Points of Light and a leader in innovative solutions to address social challenges.

The CSC empowers and equips leaders with tools to help their employees drive community impact by connecting them to a network of social impact peers, experts, academia and nonprofits. Points of Light provides council members with access resources that include: sector insights; benchmarking resources; in-person and online trainings; issue webinars; consultations; and peer-led learning courses.

About Points of Light

Points of Light Welcomes Three New Leaders to Board of Directors

Points of Light is pleased to announce the addition of three leaders to its board of directors. Each individual shares Points of Light’s vision of creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies, and provides a complement to the current board.

“Their joining our board shows their passion for creating a world where it is impossible for people to sit on the sidelines.”

The newly appointed members of the Points of Light board of directors are:

Emad Bibawi, New York advisory market leader at KPMG, is a risk assurance solution partner with over 25 years of experience in Europe and the U.S. leading complex client relationships, and delivering internal audit and risk management engagements. Emad also functioned as the chief financial officer for a high-tech start-up, and serves as a board member for SeriousFun Children’s Network which was launched in 1988 by founder Paul Newman;
George A. Kalogridis, president, segment development and enrichment at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, is responsible for the development of strategic and operational business initiatives while developing and scaling best practices at Disney sites worldwide. In addition to leveraging his nearly 50 years of experience to champion segment initiatives in diversity and inclusion, George has long been active in the Central Florida community, serving on the board of several area nonprofits;
Susan Molinari, a strategist and former vice president of Google public affairs and former member of Congress, developed a strong record of bipartisanship and effectiveness on issues ranging from transportation and the budget, to child abuse and human rights. In addition to numerous board appointments, including Harvard University Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School and the Toyota North America Diversity Board, Susan was selected as a member of the Sine Institute’s 2020 class of Fellows and Distinguished Lecturers at American University.

“We are excited to welcome Emad, George and Susan to the Points of Light board of directors,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “They bring both leadership and expertise in their respected fields, but more importantly, they’re committed to improving communities and creating a world where it is easy for every individual to create change. Their joining our board shows their passion for creating a world where it is impossible for people to sit on the sidelines.”

The new cohort of board members began their service on Jan. 1, 2020, and will serve a three-year term.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit: www.pointsoflight.org.

Points of Light Launches The Civic 50 Survey to Recognize Nation’s Top Corporate Citizens for 2020

Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, today launched The Civic 50 survey for 2020. The survey will remain open through March 5, 2020, and the list of honorees will be publicly announced at the Points of Light Conference in Washington, D.C., on June 9, 2020.

Each year, The Civic 50 recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation each year as determined by an annual survey administered by True Impact. Since it was launched in 2012, the program has served as a benchmarking tool, a platform for sharing best practices, and a roadmap for companies committed to using their time, talent, and resources to drive social impact in their business and communities.

The top 50 honorees are selected based on the four dimensions of Points of Light’s Corporate Civic Engagement Framework:

Investment: How the company strategically invests its resources in community engagement and social impact, including employee time and skills, cash, in-kind giving and public leadership.

Integration: How the company integrates its community engagement and social impact programs throughout its business functions and interests (i.e., “does well by doing good”).
Institutionalization: How the company institutionalizes its community engagement and social impact programs through organizational policies, systems, and incentives.
Impact: How the company measures the social and business impact outcomes of its community engagement and social impact programs.

Public and private companies with U.S. operations and revenues of $1 billion or more are eligible to participate in the survey, which consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform The Civic 50 scoring process, and summary narrative questions to use to promote best practices.

Points of Light will host a special webinar on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m. ET, for interested companies. Additional information is available on the Applicant Information Page, including key dates, FAQ, eligibility requirements, and a list of survey questions. If you have additional questions or need support, please email [email protected].

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit: www.pointsoflight.org.

About True Impact

True Impact is a web-based measurement and reporting tool for charitable investments. Companies and their nonprofit partners use True Impact to measure the social impact of grants, volunteerism, and other philanthropic investments, to demonstrate success and identify opportunities for improvement. True Impact can be used as a stand-alone tool, or as an integrated add-on module with any grants or volunteer management system. For more information, visit: www.trueimpact.com.

Points of Light Honors St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Volunteer with Daily Point of Light on 30th Anniversary of Award

Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, is honoring Jason Farmer, a Memphis, Tennessee volunteer for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® , with the Daily Point of Light Award on the 30^th anniversary of the first award. Farmer has supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital all of his life. He was a part of the early childhood assistance program in the 1970s sponsored by St. Jude in the Memphis-area and never forgot its support. About five years ago, he helped conceptualize and launch an annual event in Memphis during Black History Month called the St. Jude Spirit of the Dream to celebrate the achievements of African Americans who also support its lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.® This year Farmer is vice chair of the Memphis event committee, leading fundraising efforts by securing sponsorships and individual donor support. He also helped launch a similar event in Nashville in 2019. The Daily Point of Light Award honors individuals who are creating meaningful change in communities; efforts which often lead to long-terms solutions and impact social problems in their local communities. Founded by President George H.W. Bush, the very first Daily Point of Light Award was presented on Nov. 22, 1989, to The Commercial Appeal, a Memphis newspaper that published a series of stories on local “points of light,” volunteers in the Southern United States. At the event honoring The Commercial Appeal, President Bush said:

“We are nearing the dawn of a new decade. And so let it be a decade with no dark corners, no forgotten people, no forgotten place.

So, if you’ve got a hammer, find a nail. If you can read, find someone who can’t. If you’re well, do it like the volunteers I just saw at St. Jude: Help someone who isn’t well. If you’re not troubled, seek out someone who is.

Because everywhere there is a need in America, there is a way to fill it. And everywhere there is a dream in America, there is a way to make it come true.”

“At Points of Light, we applaud individuals who step up in their communities, take action, and work with others to solve problems, like Jason Farmer,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. “When our founder, President George H.W. Bush, came to Memphis 30 years ago today, he didn’t know the lasting impact that first Daily Point of Light Award would have. Today, we’re a global organization committed to harnessing the power of people to take action and make a positive impact in the world. We’re honored to return to Memphis and honor Jason Farmer with Daily Point of Light Award No. 6,656 for his lifelong commitment to serving St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and being a leader in his community, and inspiring others to do the same.” “Jason Farmer demonstrates the powerful impact one individual can have on the world when applying heart and tenacity of purpose to making a difference,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “I applaud Jason for this tremendous honor from Points of Light and express my deep gratitude for his lifelong support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As a native Memphian, Jason’s story of triumph over hardship reminds me of our own origin story. Danny Thomas never wavered even as naysayers doubted his dream to open a research hospital in pursuit of cures to save ‘all’ children with childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. We appreciate the courageous leadership journey exemplified by Jason in the military, business community and nonprofit sector and hope his story inspires future generations to discover the rewards of volunteering.” Three decades after the first Daily Point of Light was awarded, Points of Light continues the recognition each weekday with more than 6,500 honorees to date. In partnership with Points of Light, the United Kingdom Prime Minister’s office launched a Point of Light Award program in 2014, which has now recognized more than 1,200 honorees. In 2018, Queen Elizabeth began a Commonwealth Point of Light Award program to recognize volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.

Watch: Volunteer Honored for Devotion to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.^®

It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, sharing stories and videos from St. Jude Inspire, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter and Instagram and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

Statement From Points of Light President and CEO Natalye Paquin in Honor of Elijah Cummings

“Elijah Cummings’ life exemplified what we at Points of Light hold up and support through our mission – a belief that the most powerful force in the world is the individual who has realized their power to do good, and who applies their time, talent, and resources to make a positive difference. As a civil rights activist and public servant for more than 30 years, he dedicated his life of service to uplifting and empowering the people he was sworn to represent. Rep. Cummings recently said, ‘My life is based on pain, passion, and purpose.’ His principled leadership and fight for justice, equality and fairness will live on in the memories of the generations he has inspired.”

Points of Light Releases The Civic 50 2019 Key Trends and Insights Report

ATLANTA (Oct. 1, 2019) – Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, released The Civic 50 report featuring key trends, benchmarking data and insights from the 2019 honorees. The Civic 50 honorees are public and private companies with U.S. operations and revenues of at least $1 billion, and are selected based on four dimensions of their U.S. community engagement program – investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems and impact measurement.

Points of Light will also host a webinar on Friday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m. ET to take a deep dive into the findings and discuss emerging trends in the corporate citizenship sector. All registrants will receive the first copies of the report.

“At Points of Light, we believe that companies, their employees and partners can be drivers of transformative social change in communities around the world,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. “This year’s report shows that companies are making community support an increasing priority across the organization, not just in their community relations departments, and making sure their efforts drive sustained impact. We hope this report serves as a guide for other companies to find ways of deeper, lasting engagement.”

Key Statistics and Highlights from The Civic 50 2019 Honorees:

Generous giving. On average, The Civic 50 companies donate more than twice as much as other U.S. companies: $283,000 for every $10 million in revenue earned, as opposed to $130,000 (per CECP’s 2018 Giving in Numbers).
Increasingly sophisticated investments. Grants are getting more integrated. Nearly 50 percent of The Civic 50 companies make multi-faceted investments where their grants are providing additional support through volunteerism, in-kind goods, or multi-year pledges.
Board-level involvement. The vast majority (86 percent) of The Civic 50 companies include community involvement in the agenda of at least one board meeting a year.
Performance reviews and goal setting. Sixty-two percent of The Civic 50 companies include community engagement in performance reviews, and 86 percent include it in department goals.
Public leadership. Sixty-eight percent of The Civic 50 companies take national leadership positions on at least six public policy issues.
Business impact and outcome measurement. The Civic 50 companies also measure the outcomes from integrating their community involvement with other business functions. More than half of the companies measure the outcomes of this integration with employee engagement, marketing/PR, and diversity and inclusion.

Since 2011, The Civic 50 has provided a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcased how companies can use their time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business. The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value and analyzed by VeraWorks. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform The Civic 50 scoring process. The Civic 50 is the only survey and ranking system that exclusively measures corporate involvement in communities. For more information, please visit www.civic50.org.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.

About True Impact

True Impact provides web-based tools and consulting support to help organizations measure the social, financial, and environmental return on investment (ROI) of their programs and operations. For more information, visit www.trueimpact.com.

About VeraWorks

VeraWorks is a global consulting firm that helps managers and companies offer employees the opportunity to do societal good through their everyday jobs. For more information, visit www.veraworks.com.

Points of Light Honors President George H.W. Bush and Legacy of Volunteerism

All Former Living Presidents Serve as Honorary Co-Chairs to Help Recognize Extraordinary Acts of Service at George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Gala

Garth Brooks to Receive Inaugural George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award for Caring and Compassion; co-founder and executive director of MEANS Database, Maria Rose Belding; and 12-year-old founder of Khloe Kares, Khloe Thompson also to be honored

NEW YORK (Sept. 26, 2019) – Today, Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, will host The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Gala at the historic Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Nearly one year since the passing of its founder, President George H.W. Bush, Points of Light will bring together dignitaries from politics, business, entertainment and philanthropy to honor the late president’s legacy of volunteerism by celebrating individuals who demonstrate the transformative power of service and are driving significant and sustained impact. Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama are serving as honorary chairs for the inaugural Awards Gala.

President George H.W. Bush believed deeply in bringing attention to the thousands of “points of light” around the world who improve their communities one small act at a time. The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards identify and lift up outstanding examples of individuals advancing solutions to societal problems around the globe while exemplifying the traits of President Bush: integrity, empathy, respect, optimism, conviction in the face of opposition, and belief in the power of the human spirit to create positive change.

“It is our honor to recognize these individuals tonight – their dedication to improving the world is at the core of what Points of Light stands for, which is to connect individuals to their communities with purpose and compassion,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Our founder would be incredibly proud of their work, and this award is a way to honor his lifelong commitment to serving others.”

About The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award Honorees

About Garth Brooks: Garth Brooks will receive The Inaugural George H.W. Bush Award for Caring and Compassion. In 1999, Brooks co-founded the Teammates for Kids Foundation with the mission of giving all kids, all around the world, an even start. Teammates for Kids is funded by professional athletes who generously donate based on performance levels in their sport. To date, the foundation has grown to include nearly 5,000 professional athletes to generate funds for children’s charities, focusing on children’s health, education, and inner-city outreach, and through building Child Life Zones, supporting youth athletic programs, and funding life-saving surgeries.

Alongside wife Trisha Yearwood, Brooks has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for more than a decade. Most recently, in August 2018, Brooks and Yearwood spent a week working with a crew to help build 41 homes in the community of Mishawaka, Indiana, at the 35th Annual Habitat for Humanity Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

About Maria Rose Belding: Inspired by her experiences as a food pantry volunteer, Maria Rose Belding created the MEANS Database as a freshman at American University. The innovative nonprofit has rerouted more than 2.2 million pounds of excess food to communities in need across the United States, getting it into the hands of hungry people instead of into the trash. Her dedication to fighting food insecurity has earned her recognition from L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth, Starbucks Upstanders, and CNN Heroes, among others.

About Khloe Thompson: Khloe Thompson was just 8 years old when she was inspired to start Khloe Kares to address the issue homelessness in her Los Angeles community. Now 12 years old, Thompson has distributed more than 5,000 handmade “Kare Bags” filled with socks, underwear, and a two- to three-month supply of toiletries and other necessities. She is equally passionate about inspiring other kids to create change, proving that there is no age limit on the impact an individual can have in their community, and around the world.

More Information About the Gala Program

Tonight’s program will feature videos of and remarks from all three honorees, as well as Natalye Paquin, Points of Light president and CEO, Lauren Bush Lauren, gala co-chair and founder and CEO of FEED, and Neil Bush, board chairman for Points of Light. The evening will open and close with performances by the Yale Whiffenpoofs, a nod to President Bush’s alma mater, and The Beach Boys. The program will be livestreamed via a partnership with YouTube and Facebook Watch, which can be viewed on Points of Light’s website.

To view the livestream and for more information on The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Gala, please visit www.pointsoflight.org/bushawardsgala.

The 2019 Awards Gala is sponsored by Presenting Partner the Ambassador of the State of Qatar, H.E. Meshal Bin Hamad Al-Thani and Mrs. Al-Thani; and Signature Partners Toyota, and Johnny and Jeanie Morris of Bass Pro Shops.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through affiliates in 200 cities across 37 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 14 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.