Daily Point of Light Founder

On Jan. 8, 1993, President George H.W. Bush submitted a report to the nation on his efforts to engage Americans in service. He called these volunteers “points of light.”  

From his first day in office, President Bush devoted special attention to voluntary community service as a means of helping solve some of America’s most serious social problems. He was the first President in history to establish a White House office exclusively charged with this work. His leadership resulted in the creation of Points of Light, as well as the recognition of thousands of volunteers whose stories were shared widely as examples to others. Between 1989 and 1993, the Points of Light movement became a defining mission of the Bush administration.  

In 1998, Points of Light and the Corporation for National and Community Service reinstated the Daily Point of Light Award with a mission to honor those who take action to create change in their communities. Since then, Points of Light has inspired and recognized thousands for their volunteer service and celebrated the impact volunteers have on communities around the world.  

On July 15, 2013, President Barack Obama joined President George H.W. Bush in presenting the 5,000 Daily Point of Light award at the White House. President Barack Obama said of the 5000 Daily Point of Light award honorees during the presentation, “If the purpose of this award is to celebrate Americans who work to make our country and the world a better place – not for their own advantage or for any ulterior motive, but just to serve, pure and simple – I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Kathy Hamilton and Floyd Hammer.”