Points of Light Announces KPMG U.S. Leader as New Corporate Service Council Chair

Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, announced today that Anita Whitehead, president and chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation will serve as the chair of the Points of Light Corporate Service Council. Started in 2005, the Corporate Service Council is a membership program for businesses that provides top CSR and corporate citizenship leaders with actionable resources, sector trends and insights, in-person and virtual learning events, peer networking opportunities and access to a network of industry experts to spark innovation and advance social impact goals. 

“Anita Whitehead is a leader in the corporate social responsibility field and brings expertise that will benefit all of Points of Light’s Corporate Service Council members,” said Diane Quest, interim president and CEO of Points of Light. “Her insights into best practices in corporate giving and employee engagement will help our council companies engage more deeply and effectively in communities around the globe. We are grateful for her leadership as the Corporate Service Council chair.” 

In addition to her role as chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation, Anita serves as the KPMG lead for Social Impact services, where she focuses on the needs of nonprofit and corporate clients as they fulfill their charitable purpose. In her 22 years with the firm, Anita has advised some of the world’s top companies on industry-leading practices in corporate responsibility strategy and corporate philanthropy. 

“Our commitment to having a positive impact on our communities is core to our values at KPMG. Our people work together, for better every day to build trusted relationships and drive lasting change in our communities that is measurable, sustainable and transformational,” said Anita. “We continue to find the most impactful ways to serve those around us, which is why I’m thrilled to continue collaborating with Points of Light and support the Corporate Service Council in this role.” 

Points of Light is grateful for the leadership of outgoing Corporate Service Council Chair Charlene Lake, AT&T Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Chair of the AT&T Foundation. Her support helped Points of Light shepherd civic engagement leaders through a time of unprecedented challenges, from COVID-19 and its crushing health and educational impacts to societal unrest as companies reckoned with and address racial injustices.

About Points of Light   

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, 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 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million people in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.

About KPMG LLP 

KPMG LLP is the U.S. firm of the KPMG global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. The KPMG global organization operates in 143 countries and territories and has more than 265,000 people working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG is widely recognized for being a great place to work and build a career. Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to community service, inclusion and diversity and eradicating childhood illiteracy. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us. 

Points of Light Names Jennifer Sirangelo as New President and CEO

The Points of Light Board of Directors is excited to announce Jennifer Sirangelo will become the next president and CEO of the organization beginning September 5, 2023. The board has charged Sirangelo with elevating the influence and impact Points of Light has on civic health due to its belief that civic engagement and action is key to addressing complex global challenges and building vibrant communities.

A transformational leader with deep experience in leveraging fundraising, network building and relationships for mission impact, Sirangelo brings more than two decades of nonprofit experience. Most recently, Sirangelo served as an executive leader at National 4-H Council for 17 years, including nearly 10 years as President and CEO. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at Boys & Girls Clubs of America on both the national and local levels.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Jennifer Sirangelo as our next president and CEO,” said Neil Bush, board chair. “Jennifer is proven to be a dynamic leader who brings a wealth of strategic leadership and experience in the nonprofit sector. Her collaborative, confident and warm demeanor will lend itself to building and growing relationships with our members, partners, staff and donors to take Points of Light into the next chapter of social impact expertise. I also want to thank our search committee for their diligent and extensive search. They did an exceptional job.”

“I have seen the power of civic engagement to create strong leaders, build communities and impact the lives of many,” said Sirangelo. “I am excited to lead Points of Light into its next chapter, raise the organization’s visibility and scale to increase our impact around the world.”

Points of Light Board Members Brenda Robinson and David Williams co-chaired the executive search committee along with individuals from the Points of Light Board of Directors, including Jean Becker, Neil Bush, Vanessa Diamond, Pam Norley, Gregg Petersmeyer, and Eric Tanenblatt; as well as Michael D. Smith, chief executive officer, AmeriCorps.

“Throughout our search, we sought a candidate who could elevate Points of Light to be a global leader, grow the organization’s influence and impact to new heights in these areas and more,” said committee co-chairs Robinson and Williams. “While we had exceptional candidates throughout the process, Jennifer stood out with her experience, passion and vision. We are thrilled to welcome her as Points of Light’s president and CEO.”

Diane Quest, who has served as interim president and CEO, will continue in a leadership role with Points of Light as chief operating officer.

“The board is immensely grateful to Diane for her steadfast leadership serving as interim president and CEO over the past 8 months, keeping our organization and staff moving forward during this transition,” continued Neil Bush. “Diane will continue her work as a key member of our executive team as she steps into the role chief operating officer and secretary of the board of directors.”

Learn more about Jennifer here. For media inquiries contact [email protected].

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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 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year,  contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org.

100 Community Impact Projects Chosen For 2023 Lowe’s Hometowns Program

For the second year in a row, Lowe’s asked people from across the country to nominate community revitalization projects close to their hearts for a Lowe’s Hometowns grant. After reviewing the nominations, 100 were chosen as part of the company’s largest-ever community impact program – a five-year, $100 million commitment to rebuild and revitalize community spaces nationwide and give back to the communities where we live and work. Lowe’s Hometowns projects were selected from 94 communities across 41 states and Washington, D.C., and will tackle community-specific needs ranging from housing to parks and from cultural preservation to veterans’ services. The funding will benefit 34 community centers, 23 housing organizations, seven community gardens, four food pantries and much more.

Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairperson and CEO, called it “an honor to support the Lowe’s Hometowns projects.” Each one will receive funding to support their specific needs, along with hands-on support from Lowe’s red vest associates. Together with staff from each grant recipient, we’ll make physical improvements that help each organization improve their facilities, which helps enhance the services they offer. One parks project was nominated by none other than Lionel Richie, pop music icon and American Idol judge.  The Tuskegee, Alabama native who’s won four Grammy Awards proposed converting an undeveloped plot of land in his hometown into a vibrant outdoor community space. Directly across from the historic Tuskegee University, “Hello Park” – named after Richie’s 1984 hit that reached number one on three Billboard charts – will encourage residents and visitors to gather, connect with nature and embrace Tuskegee’s history.

“My hometown of Tuskegee has inspired and impacted me all my life,” said Richie. “I love the people, culture and natural beauty of our little town, so my hope is that Hello Park will become a special venue for our community to share in honoring our history and heritage. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of Lowe’s Hometowns to uplift communities nationwide, this dream will soon become a reality.”

A few of the 100 projects to receive funding this year include:

• Renovations to support homeless services at Room In The Inn in Nashville
• Building an inclusive space for deaf and hard-of-hearing children at Aid the Silent in San Antonio
• Creating a grocery store-style space for the Community Food Basket in Idaho Falls
• Installing new garage doors and flooring at the Wedington Volunteer Fire Department in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Lowe’s impact partner in this work is Points of Light. We are a national nonprofit organization that partners with Lowe’s to support each project from beginning to end. Points of Light Interim President and CEO Diane Quest said, “We know nonprofits in the U.S. rely on varying sources of funds to sustain and grow their services, and large grants like Lowe’s Hometowns can be transformational. Last year’s Lowe’s Hometowns projects had a tremendous impact on more than a million people in communities throughout the U.S., providing direct services to individuals and creating multi-year capacity and infrastructure for nonprofits. These investments … have a ripple effect and create long-term, positive change that enriches the lives of residents, families and the community for generations.” More than 1.4 million people, including children, seniors, veterans, first responders and more, benefited last year from the 100 inaugural Lowe’s Hometowns projects. Visit Lowes.com/hometowns and follow #LowesHometowns on social media for more on this year’s projects. To learn more about Lowe’s commitment to communities, visit Lowes.com/OurCommunities.

The 2023 Points of Light Conference Unleashes the Collective Power of Positive Change 

The Points of Light Conference 2023 will take place from June 14-16, 2023, at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. This gathering is an opportunity for CSR and social impact professionals who are passionate about civic engagement to connect with peers and gain insights from renowned speakers. Registration closes June 10. Register now and join the Points of Light Conference 2023 to connect, learn and drive real and sustained change. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org/conference. 

“The Points of Light Conference is the place for connecting, idea sharing and inspiration. People from all over the world come together for the opportunity to learn from experts in the social impact sector and peers who are facing the same challenges.” — Elizabeth Schwan-Rosenwald, chief program officer, Points of Light

The event offers more than 50 educational workshops, inspirational leadership discussions and networking opportunities, something for every champion of social good. 

The conference will feature 132 speakers, from different industries and sectors, including: 

• Sheryl Lee Ralph, singer, actress and activist 
• Johnny Cupcakes, CEO & brand hysteria expert 
• Neil Bush, board chair, Points of Light 
• Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps 
• Nicole “Nikki” Clifton, president, Social Impact and The UPS Foundation
• Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, co-founder, Chicago Mahogany Foundation 

Sessions will offer a diverse range of topics designed to cater to different interests and social impact experts including volunteer and community engagement, service and volunteering, social innovation and change, equity, corporate social responsibility, civic engagement and activism. Here are a few highlights: 

• Closing Plenary Luncheon: Let Your Life Shine With Sheryl Lee Ralph — The culmination of conference features an inspiring presentation from Sheryl Lee Ralph, Emmy-Award Winning Star of ABC’s Abbott Elementary, singer, producer and activist. She will discuss the power of using your voice and tapping into joy to overcome obstacles and face challenges with positivity. Plus, hear from Young Changemakers, a discussion moderated by Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Impact Officer Tina Tchen who oversees the Girls Opportunity Alliance, an Obama Foundation program that seeks to empower adolescent girls around the world through education. This panel of impressive young people is driving real and sustainable impact around the world. You’ll be inspired by their activism and their deep connection to civic engagement. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how small actions can make a big difference.
• Opening Plenary: Keynote Speaker With CEO & Brand Hysteria Expert Johnny Cupcakes — Johnny Cupcakes, a world-renowned t-shirt brand founder, will be the keynote speaker at the Opening Plenary. He will share insights on building brand loyalty, creating memorable experiences and inspiring innovation. Individuals, companies and organizations are all rallying toward real, sustainable change. Communities have distinct goals, and together, we can lean on our unique and collective backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to change the world. This year’s all-conference Opening Plenary features global leaders and special guests, including influencers and entertainers who exemplify Chicago’s vibrant history and culture. Plus, enjoy moving conversations that explore how our lives have changed amidst the complex challenges we’re collectively working to solve. 
• Civic Engagement Leadership Summit: A Theatre Stage Page Metaphor for Leadership — This dynamic session is designed specifically for leaders of nonprofit organizations preparing their organizations for growth and mission success. Participants will examine leadership characteristics by analyzing the importance of data in the development of their own leadership. Participants will be introduced to a “stage page” metaphor of leadership as a personal framework. They will examine their own leadership qualities and how best to deploy them at the right time in the right context for the right goal. Then, with the guidance of a theater director, experienced facilitators, and a faculty member, we will explore leadership and change from a theatrical lens, focusing on times of challenge and change, all in the service of promoting the well-being and resilience of the people and communities we represent.  
• Civility & Civic Engagement: The Opportunity for Business to Help Find Common Ground, Inside and Outside Your Company — As communities around the globe are increasingly faced with diverse political, economic and social pressures, companies are stepping into uncharted roles as leaders and advocates in civic engagement and community-building. How can businesses – especially CSR leaders – use their resources, time, talent and voice to encourage civic action and thoughtful dialogue that illuminates common ground and unity? Join us for the Business Summit where attendees will hear from leaders about the field of depolarization, how companies have started to engage and the practical strategies they can bring back to their company. 

For those unable to attend the conference in person, access the latest ideas and trends in social impact through the on-demand content option. Choose from more than 20 sessions, including exclusive new workshop content and replays of mainstage moments. On-demand content will be available for in-person an on-demand registrants from June 21 – September 30, 2023. 

About Points of Light 

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, 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 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million people in 16.7 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.

POINTS OF LIGHT ANNOUNCES 2023 HONOREES OF THE CIVIC 50 AND RELEASES KEY INSIGHTS

Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, announced The Civic 50 honorees of 2023. Now in its eleventh year, The Civic 50 has provided a national standard for corporate citizenship and showcases how leading companies are moving social impact, civic engagement and community to the core of their business. The Civic 50 honorees are companies with annual U.S. revenues of at least $1 billion and are selected based on four dimensions of their corporate citizenship and social impact programs: investment of resources and volunteerism, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems, and impact measurement.  

 The Civic 50 builds on Points of Light’s Civic Circle®, which helps identify the many ways companies and their employees can take action to accelerate positive social change and provides a strategic framework to help activate and scale their full potential for doing good. 

 This will mark the third year of tracking data related to companies’ progress on commitments to racial equity and their communities since Points of Light introduced new racial equity questions in 2021. Additionally, this year’s data will also reflect key trends observed from the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the community and employee engagement sector.  

 “Companies are expected to take action on social issues more than ever before, with Points of Light finding 82% of people globally expecting this,” said Diane Quest, interim President and CEO, Points of Light. “The Civic 50 honorees create a model framework for how companies can engage employees and consumers and leverage their assets in an intentional way to move the needle forward on causes they care about. Congratulations to the 2023 honorees of The Civic 50, and thank you for your efforts transforming the communities where you work and live.” 

 The Civic 50 Honorees of 2023 

AbbVie Inc. 

Adobe 

AFLAC 

Altria Group 

Ares Management 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts  

Blue Shield of California 

Caesars Entertainment 

Capital One 

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 

Citi  

Comcast NBCUniversal 

Comerica Bank 

Conagra Brands 

CSAA Insurance Group  

CVS Health 

Deloitte 

Delta Air Lines 

Dow, Inc. 

DTE Energy 

Elevance Health 

Entergy Corporation  

Gen Digital Inc 

General Mills 

Hasbro, Inc. 

Health Care Service Corporation 

Hewlett Packard Enterprise 

John Deere  

Kellogg Company 

KeyBank 

KPMG LLP 

Liberty Mutual Insurance 

Pacific Life 

PIMCO 

Point32Health 

Prudential Financial 

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Standard Chartered Bank  

Steelcase 

Subaru of America, Inc. 

Tapestry, Inc 

Tata Consultancy Services 

TEGNA Inc. 

The Hershey Company 

Toyota North America

UnitedHealth Group 

Unum Group

UPS 

Vertex Pharmaceuticals 

Wynn Resorts, Limited 

 The process resulted in a tie between two companies and so 51 companies are recognized on this year’s list. 

The Civic 50 Sector Leaders & Volunteer Award  

• Consumer Discretionary: Hasbro, Inc. 
• Consumer Staples: The Hershey Company 

• Financials: KeyBank 
• Healthcare: UnitedHealth Group 
• Industrials: Delta Air Lines 
• Information Technology: Tata Consultancy Services 
• Materials: Dow, Inc. 

• Telecommunications: TEGNA Inc.
• Utilities: Entergy Corporation 

Volunteer Leader Award   

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana 

This award recognizes the company for having the leading volunteering culture and embracing volunteerism as a priority for civic engagement.  

 Strategic Volunteering Award   

Steelcase 

This award recognizes the company for their strategic efforts to drive impact by engaging employees through pro bono and skills-based and volunteer initiatives.  

Key Insights from The Civic 50 2023 Honorees    

• Empower more than 350,000 employees to volunteer more than 6 million hours in their communities. 
• Engage 31% of employees, on average, in external volunteering, compared to 17% for most US companies overall.[1] 
• Engage over half of employees (54%), on average, in internal company volunteering such as employee resource groups and company-sponsored issue education opportunities. 

• Give more than $1.7 billion in financial resources and more than $9.7 billion worth of in-kind goods and services to support charitable causes. 
• Donate more than twice what most US companies do in cash and in-kind contributions to charitable causes as percentage of revenue (more than .55% versus .18%).[2] 
• 90% fund social-justice advocacy organizations and 88% are run by CEOs who publicly promoted racial justice. 
• 88% integrate community engagement activities with employee health and wellness strategies. 
• 82% establish department goals relating to community engagement. 
• 82% provide employees paid time off to volunteer. 

 [1] US data from Giving in Numbers, 2022 by CECP. 

[2] US data from Giving in Numbers, 2021 by CECP. 

On June 27 at 1 p.m. ET, we will host a special webinar and release a report with additional key insights, trends and benchmarking data from this year’s honorees.  

The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact and the results are analyzed by VeraWorks. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform the scoring process. The Civic 50 is the only survey and ranking system that exclusively measures corporate community engagement. To learn more about The Civic 50, visit pointsoflight.org/civic50survey or email [email protected]. 

About Points of Light  

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, 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 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million people in 16.7 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 True Impact  

True Impact is a social impact reporting solution that helps Fortune 500 companies and their nonprofit partners measure how much their philanthropy benefits society. For more information, visit trueimpact.com. 

 About VeraWorks  

VeraWorks is a global firm that advises and supports companies on ESG (environment social governance), CSR (corporate social responsibility) and purpose, including on how to offer employees the opportunity to do societal good through their everyday jobs. For more information, visit veraworks.com. 

Strengthening Global Connections Through Volunteerism and Civic Engagement: U.S. and U.K. Honor Point of Light Honorees

As part of the celebrations for the coronation of King Charles III, the U.S. and U.K. are joining hands to recognize individuals who are making a significant difference in their communities through volunteering. Daily Point of Light honorees from the U.S., including Hollis Belger, Daily Point of Light honoree #7214, Daniel Craig, Daily Point of Light honoree #7456 and Maxwell Surprenant, Daily Point of Light honoree #7094, will be joined by daily Points of Light honorees from the U.K. The two groups are coming together in an effort to foster and facilitate volunteerism and civic engagement around the world.  

The Prime Minister’s Office and the U.K. Points of Light will be hosting a lunch at 10 Downing Street on May 7 where recipients of the U.K. Points of Light Award and Commonwealth Points of Light Award will be in attendance. On May 8, to mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation, thousands of organizations across the United Kingdom will come together as part of The Big Help Out, a nationwide event to raise awareness of volunteering throughout the U.K. and provide opportunities for people to experience volunteering and make a difference in their communities. The U.S. and U.K. groups will participate through the Green Park Planting, a project of the Royal Parks that has participants planting a selection of native wildflowers in Green Park, an area where floral tributes were laid for Her Late Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II.  

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. The organization has been instrumental in recognizing individuals who lead, lend support and take action for causes they care about. President George H.W. Bush, the founder of Points of Light, was the first president in American history to institute a daily presidential recognition program from the White House. He conferred 1,020 Daily Point of Light Awards on citizens and organizations making a difference in other people’s lives and solving community problems.  

Today, Points of Light continues this recognition and has more than 7,500 honorees to date. The Daily Point of Light Award uplifts individuals who create meaningful change to meet community needs, efforts that often lead to long-term solutions and impact social problems in their local communities.  

The U.K. Daily Points of Light Award was developed in partnership with Points of Light in 2014 and launched in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street. Similar to the Daily Point of Light Award, the U.K. daily Points of Light Award recognizes individuals who are making a change in their community through volunteering. The Commonwealth Points of Light Award, which was given out by Her Late Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, was established to recognize individuals from Commonwealth countries.  

“We celebrate the idea of points of light on both sides of the Atlantic. If we strengthen global connections and enrich our daily experiences with pervasive calls to serve, we can make volunteerism and civic engagement more accessible, inclusive and impactful,” said Points of Light Interim President and CEO Diane Quest.  

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. The organization operates through a Global Network of 145 leading social impact and volunteer-mobilizing organizations operating in 39 countries. It engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. To learn more about Points of Light and its initiatives, please visit pointsoflight.org.    

For media inquiries, please contact: Amy Marquis, Director of Communications

Global Nonprofit Points of Light Announces Fifth Annual Awards Celebration to Recognize Mike and Jacquelyne Love, Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith and Rebecca and Christyn Taylor and Honor President George H.W. Bush’s Legacy of Civic Engagement

Points of Light announces its fifth annual celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards to recognize Mike and Jacquelyne Love, Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith and Rebecca and Christyn Taylor. The event honors the legacy of President George H.W. Bush and individuals who have demonstrated the transformative power of service to drive significant and sustained impact through their everyday actions.

“Our honorees this year model what a life of service looks like, from turning challenges into triumphs, using their voice, and becoming leaders who uplift others,” said Diane Quest, Points of Light interim president and CEO. “It’s an honor to recognize Mike and Jacquelyne Love, Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith and Rebecca and Christyn Taylor, all of whom are a bright light in this world. We hope their stories inspire others to take action that positively impacts their community.”

Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama will once again serve as honorary co-chairs, with Marie and Andy Unanue and Alan H. Fleischmann and Dafna Tapiero serving as co-chairs. Previous honorees of The George H. W. Bush Points of Light Awards celebration include José Andrés; Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg; Maria Rose Belding; Marc and Lynne Benioff; Garth Brooks; Captain Sir Thomas Moore; Khloe Thompson; Hamdi Ulukaya; Shreyaa and Esha Venkat; Hugh Evans; Francine A. Lefrak; and Bryan Stevenson. The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards honors outstanding individuals advancing solutions in ways that demonstrate the extraordinary traits of America’s 41st president: integrity, empathy, respect, optimism, conviction in the face of opposition, and belief in the power of the human spirit to create positive change.

ABOUT THE GEORGE H.W. BUSH POINTS OF LIGHT AWARDS HONOREES

About Mike and Jacquelyne Love

Mike and Jacquelyne Love have a long and inspiring history of philanthropy and have incorporated this tenet into every aspect of their professional and personal lives.

Mike Love, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is the lead singer and a founding member of The Beach Boys and longtime supporter of environmental and educational causes. Jacquelyne Love is a businesswoman, accomplished philanthropist, interior designer and fashion designer.

In 1990, Mike Love was the first artist to respond to President George H.W. Bush’s call for service as part of the thousand Points of Light initiative. He later performed at the inaugural celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards in 2019 where he and Jacquelyne served on the steering committee.

More than 20 years later, the Loves continue their commitment to a wide variety of causes from youth empowerment to health education to environmental causes. The Beach Boys have served as a pathway to pairing music and philanthropy, bringing resources to historically underserved people and communities.

“President George H.W. Bush has been a tremendous inspiration,” said Mike Love. “His legacy will forever shine through Points of Light, which inspires people from all walks of life to improve the lives of others through their personal efforts. Jacquelyne and I continue to be inspired by President Bush’s unbounded love for others, and we will carry the torch forward to the best of our ability, recognizing that love is the most powerful weapon we’ve got. We are honored, humbled and grateful to be among this year’s award recipients.”

About Secretary Condoleezza Rice

Secretary Condoleezza Rice has led a life of service. In every role she has taken on, her devotion to public service and volunteerism has shone through. She currently serves as the Tad and Dianne Taube Director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, where she also serves as a Senior Fellow. She is the Denning Professor in Global Business and the Economy at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. In addition, she is a founding partner of Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC, an international strategic consulting firm.

From January 2005 to January 2009, Rice served as the 66^th Secretary of State of the United States, the second woman and first black woman to hold the post. Rice also served as President George W. Bush’s Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (National Security Advisor) from January 2001 to January 2005, the first woman to hold the position.

From February 1989 through March 1991, Rice served on President George H.W. Bush’s National Security Council staff. She served as director, then senior director, of Soviet and East European Affairs, as well as special assistant to the President for National Security. In 1986, while an International Affairs Fellow of the Council on Foreign Relations, Rice also served as special assistant to the director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

A sports enthusiast, in 2022, Rice became a part-owner of the Denver Broncos as a part of the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group. In 2013, Rice was appointed to the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, formerly the Bowl Championship Series. She served on the committee until 2017.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Rice earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver; her master’s from the University of Notre Dame; and her Ph.D., from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver.

“It is especially meaningful to receive this recognition that honors the legacy of President George H.W. Bush who taught me the value of relationships and what it meant to be a good public servant,” said Rice. “He led a life dedicated to public service and finding solutions to the most challenging problems facing our country. I am grateful to Points of Light for this important celebration.”

About Robert F. Smith

Robert F. Smith is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. Since Vista’s inception, Smith has supervised over 590 completed transactions representing more than $290 billion in aggregate transaction value.

Smith is the founding director and president of the Fund II Foundation, dedicated to preserving the African American experience, safeguarding human rights, providing music education, and preserving the environment while promoting the benefits of the outdoors and sustaining critical American values.

In 2017, Smith became the first Black American to sign the Giving Pledge. His gift of $20 million was the largest by an individual donor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

In 2019, Smith made headlines by announcing in his commencement address to Morehouse College’s Class of 2019 that he would cover the entire class’s student loan debt. After his Morehouse pledge, Smith founded Student Freedom Initiative to relieve the crushing burden of student debt for STEM students at all HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).

Smith also has been a strong advocate for what he has named the 2% Solution, calling on large corporations to commit 2% of their profits for the next decade to empower minority communities. He also co-leads Southern Communities Initiative, a catalytic program for racial equity across six southern communities representing half of the Black population in the U.S.

“It is an honor to receive this award conceived in the image of a generational figure. Former President Bush was a beacon to so many around our country, and the world, of the progress that could be achieved when purpose meets dedication,” said Smith. “While he is no longer with us, his spirit continues to guide our sense of social responsibility to one another. I am honored to receive this award for our continued efforts to promote social and economic justice across Black communities. This celebration will be a moment to take stock of how far we have come and recommit ourselves to scaling our individual and joint efforts.”

About Rebecca and Christyn Taylor

Rebecca Taylor is a Brown Scholar at Texas A&M University studying biomedical engineering. Upon graduation, she intends to pursue a graduate chemistry degree at Harvard University and then fulfill her scholarship by attending Texas A&M’s Engineering 2 Medicine (EnMed) medical school program.

At the age of seven, Rebecca was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, a painful, debilitating disease with no known cure. As a result of her medical challenges, Make-A-Wish offered Rebecca a wish to go anywhere, meet anyone, or see anything. With the support of her family, she asked to start a 501(c)3 nonprofit called “Rebecca’s Wish” designed to support children with pediatric pancreatitis. With Rebecca as the founder and her mother, Christyn Taylor, as president, the nonprofit has raised over $3,000,000 to date and has started programs to support countless children around the United States. Rebecca continues to live in and out of the hospital with her disease, but her focus never sways from helping medically fragile children in need.

Christyn is on the Executive Board of Directors for the National Pancreas Foundation and has participated for years on the Friend’s Board of the Ronald McDonald House. Christyn is a medical advisor and advocate and speaks on behalf of numerous organizations, hospitals and medical schools. In her spare time, she authors medical research papers, curricula and books. Christyn is a 1998 graduate of Texas A&M University with honors. She resides in San Antonio with her husband and three incredible children.

“On behalf of children suffering with pancreatitis around the world, Rebecca’s Wish is honored to receive The George H. W. Bush Points of Light Award,” said Christyn Taylor. “As Texans, this award is especially meaningful to us given our lifelong admiration and respect for President Bush. This recognition acknowledges that great purpose can evolve from great adversity. It is a distinct privilege to be chosen for this very special award.”

For more information on The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards celebration, please visit pointsoflight.org/bushawards/bushawardscelebration-2023.

ABOUT POINTS OF LIGHT

Points of Light is a global nonprofit that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Through our Global Network of 145 leading social impact and volunteer-mobilizing organizations operating in 39 countries, and partnerships with hundreds of non-profits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. To learn more, visit pointsoflight.org.

“GLOBAL VOLUNTEER MONTH” Celebrates Volunteers Throughout April and Shines a Light on the Importance of Civic Engagement

Global Volunteer Month, from April 1 – 30, 2023, is a time to recognize volunteers and people who actively support their communities, whether through volunteerism or other pathways to active civic engagement. There are many ways to live a full civic life. Now is the perfect time to make a plan to join the celebration, today and every day.

“Global Volunteer Month is an opportunity for companies and nonprofits to inspire individuals to action, share stories of those doing good, and create a pathway for continued engagement,” said Diane Quest, Interim President & CEO, Points of Light. “Over the past four years since our inaugural Global Volunteer Month, we have seen people increase their commitments to doing good in their community and wanting to find ways to live a fully engaged civic life to create a just and equitable world. Points of Light continues to support companies and nonprofits in utilizing the power of people to do good and to shine a light on the individuals who creating change.”

Points of Light research shows that 73% of people believe that volunteering is more important than ever, yet 66% think they can’t make a big impact in their communities. To help address this challenge, individuals, nonprofits, companies and government officials can access a range of resources from Points of Light, including free toolkits with creative ideas to make the most of Global Volunteer Month. They can also visit Points of Light Engage, the world’s largest digital hub of virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities, to discover what their local communities need and how they can help.

“I love volunteering because I get a lot of enjoyment out of being able to help anyone in need. Yes, there is a lot of hard work, but you know in the end, you’re helping people and you’re doing good work,” said Daily Point of Light #6804 Chase Hartman, co-founder of read.repeat.

This year, Points of Light is partnering with leading sponsor Phillips 66 and supporting sponsor UPS to encourage individuals, nonprofits and corporate partners to recognize the power of volunteerism and inspire more people to engage in their communities. The campaign will also recognize individual action and celebrate inspiring stories of people who have stepped up to support their neighbors and communities.

Courtney Meadows, senior advisor of Social Impact for Phillips 66, said the company is proud to sponsor Points of Light and its mission to encourage volunteerism and civic engagement.

“Phillips 66 strongly promotes volunteerism and giving back to the communities where we live and work,” she said. “It is a core value in our company and key to our mission of providing energy and improving lives.”

Points of Light is also inviting everyone around the world to join the social surge to kick off Global Volunteer Month on Monday, April 3. This is a global effort on social media to create a buzz around volunteerism. It’s easy to participate — anyone can join. Just use #GlobalVolunteerMonth and tag Points of Light on social media to become part of the movement.

Those who wish to participate in Global Volunteer Month are encouraged to use #GlobalVolunteerMonth on social media throughout April to share their experiences and inspire others to get involved.

About Points of Light 

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, 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 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 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 Phillips 66 

Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The diversified energy company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com and follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn and Twitter.