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The 8th Annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Highlight Philanthropists, Volunteers Who Shape Civic Culture Around the Country
Points of Light has announced the honorees of the 8th annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards, the organization’s highest honor. These five leaders’ service, generosity and philanthropy changed lives and strengthened communities. Against the backdrop of America’s 250th anniversary, our esteemed honorees showcase how individuals turn values into meaningful actions through service.
The event will be held on October 13, 2026, and hosted by Michael Smerconish, Sirius XM radio and CNN television host. This year’s honorees include:
- David M. Rubenstein: 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: 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: 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: 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.
“At Points of Light, we believe volunteering changes everything. This year’s honorees demonstrate that one pivotal moment can transform into a lifetime of service, having ripple effects on people and communities around the world,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “We look forward to celebrating their collective impact in October and know their efforts will inspire others to find their purpose through volunteering.”
Past honorees of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards include Arthur M. Blank, Patrick Dempsey, Marvin Ellison, Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith, Mike and Jacquelyne Love, José Andrés, Bryan Stevenson and Marc and Lynne Benioff.
Funds from The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration support Points of Light’s mission and efforts to double volunteering in the U.S. so everyone may find their purpose and create positive change through volunteering and service. To learn more about this year’s sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Katherine O’Hare at [email protected].
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries.