George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards

Honoring Leaders Who Turn Service into Lasting Impact

The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards are the highest honor Points of Light bestows. Each year, they are presented to the leaders, philanthropists, and changemakers whose work reflects President Bush’s conviction that service is the truest measure of a life well lived. Established to carry forward his enduring vision, the awards have become a defining moment on the American civic calendar, bringing together and spotlighting the people embodying leadership through service.

Join us at this year’s celebration on Tuesday, October 13 at 6:00 p.m. ET at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C.!

An Evening of Distinction

The Awards bring together an exceptional group of leaders, including CEOs, philanthropists, cabinet-level officials, nonprofit executives, members of the Bush family, and honorees whose work is creating meaningful change at scale. The evening celebrates service while creating opportunities for recognition, conversation, and connection. Held in the spirit of the 41st President, it brings together people who share his belief that serving others—in every form—is a calling.

A Living Legacy

A Living Legacy

President George H.W. Bush believed that from a thousand points of light, a nation finds its strength. The Awards represent how that belief is endured and carried forward by the leaders who embody it, and the community that gathers to honor them. To be part of this evening—whether as an honoree, sponsor, guest, or nominator—is to take your place in one of the most important expressions of civic leadership in America today.

Save the date! The next Awards will take place on Tuesday, October 13 at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington DC.

2026 Honorees

David M. Rubenstein | The Carlyle Group

Evan Spiegel | Snap Inc.

Wilmer Valderrama | Actor, Producer, Activist

Karen and Morrill Worcester | Wreaths Across America

Olivia Zhang | Cancer Kids First

How to Engage

Questions about getting involved or attending? Please contact Alyssa Kuenning at [email protected].

Awardees

    • Maurice R. "Hank" Greenberg

    • Gregg Petersmeyer (America's Promise Alliance)

    • Dynasty Taylor (Dynasty's United Youth Association)

    • Marvin Ellison (Lowe's Companies, Inc.)

    • Arthur M. Blank (Blank Family of Businesses)

    • Patrick Dempsey (Dempsey Center)

    • Ashley Brown (Selfless Love Foundation)

    • Shrusti Amula (Rise N Shine Foundation)

    • Condoleezza Rice

    • Mike and Jacquelyne Love

    • Maria Rose Belding

    • José Andrés

    • Francine A. LeFrak

    • Dr. Ala Stanford

An Ongoing Legacy

President George H.W. Bush championed the idea that each person can be a point of light. This award honors leaders who reflect that belief through sustained impact, service to others, and a deep commitment to the common good. 

 

Past honorees represent some of the most influential leaders across business, philanthropy, and public life, including Arthur M. Blank, Patrick Dempsey, Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith, Mike and Jacquelyne Love, José Andrés, Bryan Stevenson, and Marc and Lynne Benioff.