The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards: Celebrating Visionary Heroes and Their Enduring Service

Each year, Points of Light celebrates President George H.W. Bush’s enduring belief in the power of volunteerism and service. The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards celebration honors individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a profound impact on their communities and the world. This year’s ceremony, set against the backdrop of what would have been President Bush’s 100th birthday year, carries an added layer of significance as it celebrates his enduring legacy.

The 2024 honorees are a diverse group representing a broad spectrum of causes – from addressing food insecurity and environmental concerns to supporting cancer patients and transforming the child welfare system. While their cause areas differ, they are united by an unwavering commitment to service. This two-part series highlights our honorees’ inspiring stories.

Arthur M. Blank: A Legacy of Community Involvement

Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons, is a man who understands the importance of community-centered investment and support. His philanthropic work through the Blank Family of Businesses embodies the belief that businesses should strive to make a positive impact alongside financial success. “Living life with purpose, whatever form that may be, is critical for all of us,” he said.

Getting involved in the community has been a pillar of Blank’s journey since his youth. His philanthropy was shaped by various influences, starting with his mother’s dedication to community service. Even with limited financial resources, she instilled in him the importance of touching lives and making a positive impact. “A lot of the notion of giving back and making a difference in other people’s lives probably came from my exposure to her,” Blank reflects.

He also credits role models and individuals who made a difference in the world as inspirations for his philanthropic endeavors. President George H.W. Bush’s “thousand points of light” concept resonates with Blank’s vision, as he believes that individual acts of kindness can collectively illuminate communities and create positive change.

The Blank Family Foundation focuses on several key areas: youth development, democracy, mental health and well-being, the environment, and Atlanta’s historic Westside. Blank recognizes the importance of long-term commitment to address societal issues, stating, “Most of these issues are not ones where you go in and fix it in ten minutes… It’ll take long-term commitments, often over several generations, to get resolved and to make significant progress.”

One of the foundation’s priorities is listening and responding to grantee partners and the communities they serve. Blank emphasizes the importance of capacity building, ensuring that grantees have the necessary tools and resources to multiply their impact. He values collaboration and active listening, seeking to understand the needs of the communities served by these organizations.

When asked about his proudest moments, Blank’s response is heartwarming: “What I’m most proud of is that my children, all six of them, all adults now, will want to spend time with their father.” This reflects his belief in the importance of family and the legacy he is building not only through philanthropy, but also through personal relationships.

Shrusti Amula: Turning Food Waste into a Feast of Hope

Shrusti Amula, a dynamic freshman at Georgetown University, embodies the spirit of a “solutionist.” At just 13 years old, she founded the Rise N Shine Foundation, driven by her passion for tackling food waste and insecurity. What began simply as a school project for a STEM competition transformed into a full-fledged organization that has diverted over 200,000 pounds of food waste from landfills and donated more than 300,000 meals to people facing hunger.

Amula shows the remarkable potential of young people to create lasting change. “One of the most important things I’ve learned is that no matter how young you are, you can always make a big change in your community as long as you’re willing to put in the work,” she shares, reflecting on her experiences. Her inspiration stemmed from a fervent desire to protect the environment. She recognized that food waste was a significant contributor to climate change and saw an opportunity to address both environmental and social issues simultaneously.

Through Rise N Shine, Amula has implemented composting programs in thirteen schools, educating students about the importance of reducing food waste and its positive impact on the environment. She also collaborates with the MCPS Department of Sustainability and Compliance to recover uneaten food from schools and donate it to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Amula’s commitment to finding solutions extends beyond community programs. She actively engaged in lobbying efforts for Senate Bill 124, a grant program for composting in Maryland schools. Through postcard campaigns, virtual testimonies and in-person meetings with legislators, Amula tirelessly advocated for the bill’s passage. Though funding for the bill remains a challenge, she remains dedicated to securing the necessary resources to support composting initiatives in schools. “I’ve learned that persistence is key and to not be discouraged by setbacks,” she said.

As Shrusti Amula continues to champion the fight against food waste and insecurity, her journey proves that even the youngest among us can spark change and build a better future for all. She states, “I’ve learned the value of being a solutionist – someone willing to work hard to ensure change – instead of just an activist.”

As recipients of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, Arthur Blank and Shrusti Amula’s commitments to community and service shine brightly. Their legacies are ones of generosity, collaboration and a deep belief in the power of individuals to make a positive impact on the world. Points of Light is proud to honor them at The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award celebration in Washington, D.C. at the Capital Hilton on October 23, 2024.