Points of Light Celebrates Extraordinary Philanthropists and Founders at The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards 2024

Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world through volunteering and community engagement, hosted the sixth annual celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards on Wednesday, October 23, at The Capital Hilton.

The event celebrated the transformative power of service, honoring Patrick Dempsey, Arthur M. Blank, Ashley Brown, and Shrusti Amula for volunteering in community and supporting causes in ways that demonstrate the extraordinary characteristics of Points of Light founder, President George H.W. Bush. Event co-chairs were Marie and Andy Unanue, Frank and Liz Blake, Lauren Bush Lauren and David Lauren.

The awards opened with an inspiring video narrated by Honorary Co-Chairs, President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, as a special tribute to President George H.W. Bush’s 100th birthday celebrated in 2024, as well as remarks from Board Chair Neil Bush and Points of Light President and CEO Jennifer Sirangelo.

Actor Patrick Dempsey was honored for his work with the Dempsey Center which creates a space where those impacted by cancer can find relief, comfort, resources and support at no cost. Philanthropist and businessman Arthur M. Blank was recognized for his work with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which uses the power of values-based, connected philanthropy to champion meaningful change that strengthens communities. Ashley Brown was recognized for founding and leading the Selfless Love Foundation, which works to improve the child welfare system by helping children in foster care get adopted, supporting youth who age out of the system, and advocating to improve the policies. Eighteen-year-old Shrusti Amula was celebrated for her work founding Rise N Shine Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing food waste through composting and food recovery programs.

“Points of Light uplifts and inspires people to make the world a better place. We’re not waiting for something that’s going to happen 10 years down the road, we can change someone’s life right now, today, in this moment,” said Patrick Dempsey.

“Part of the grace of being born is having an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other people you’re connected to, who you may not even know, in whatever form you can,” said Arthur M. Blank. “Points of Light is a beautiful expression about how individuals can light up a community, a city, a state, a nation, a world, and I am glad the Blank Family Foundation can be a part of this legacy.”

“We all have the capability to change lives and make the world a better place, whether through service, philanthropy, or volunteerism,” said Ashley Brown. “I am so grateful to Points of Light for shining a beam on the needs of youth impacted by foster care and the work Selfless Love Foundation is doing to create families, belonging, and safety.”

“Young people are the leaders of change. To other aspiring young leaders, my message to you is this: to persist. You will eventually find an advocate who will fully believe in you and help you take your aspirations to the next level,” said Shrusti Amula. “As we accept this award, we also accept the responsibility of continuing our work with a renewed figure, we commit to inspiring more people to volunteer, to creating more opportunities for meaningful change, and to fighting climate change and food insecurity on a larger level.”

Nearly 300 guests were in attendance to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the honorees. Other VIPs in attendance included 2023 honorees Mike Love, lead singer and a founding member of The Beach Boys, and Jacquelyne Love, businesswoman, accomplished philanthropist, interior designer and fashion designer; chief of staff for President George H.W. Bush Jean Becker; and Home Depot CEO Ted Decker.

The evening was emceed by 29-time Emmy Award winning broadcaster Bob Costas as guests enjoyed entertainment by operatic tenor and international performing artist Fernando Varela with piano accompaniment by professional musician, arranger, composer, and music director, Thomas (Boh) Cooper. Following the awards, guests participated in a live auction to support the mission of Points of Light to mobilize more individuals to volunteer and to empower nonprofits to meet critical community needs.

“Points of Light is honored to recognize these exemplary role models and distinguished leaders in service and philanthropy,” said President and CEO, Jennifer Sirangelo. “Their unwavering dedication to strengthening communities and championing solutions for critical causes embodies the very essence of our mission. We are proud to celebrate them as true points of light and honor them with the prestigious George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award.”

Past Award recipients include Condoleeza Rice (2023), Mike and Jacquelyne Love (2023), José Andrés (2022), Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg (2022), Francine A. LeFrak (2021), Dr. Ala Stanford (2021), Marc and Lynne Benioff (2020), and Hamdi Ulukaya (2020).

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 through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs for healthier and more equitable communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 38 countries.

Media Contacts

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis on behalf of Points of Light | [email protected]