by Janet Donovan
“A diverse group of athletes, musicians, corporate leaders and broadcast personalities attended the “Points of Light 2012 Tribute Awards” gala at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence.
“Points of Light,” a national nonprofit inspired by former President George H. W. Bush, is the world’s leading volunteer service organization.
Mary and Mandy Ourisman and friend
Neil Bush, chairman of the Points of Light board of directors, and His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan and Mrs. Fujisaki are chaired the event.
“By creating this annual awards event, “Points of Light” continues to lift up one of the legacies that is most important to my dad, and one that continues to have enormous ripples and impact in communities around the world,” said Bush. “These extraordinary individuals bring leadership, innovation and energy to bear on some of the toughest challenges we face as a nation. It is our privilege to recognize them.”
Dan Quayle with Lynda Webster and friend
The 2012 Tribute Award honorees were the Honorable Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, chair of the American Red Cross; Wes Moore, Army combat veteran and host of the TV show “Beyond Belief;” Aya Higa and Naho Hozumi, both of Hands On Tokyo; and Scott Davis, chairman and CEO of UPS.
Deborah Roberts and Al Roker
Deborah Roberts, ABC News correspondent, and Al Roker of NBC News emceed the event which gathered 250 corporate, political and community leaders to celebrate individuals and organizations whose extraordinary contribution to volunteering and service has made their communities and the world better.
Special guests included Olympic Gold medalist ice skater Kristi Yamaguchi, two-time U.S. Olympian ice hockey player Bret Hedican, NBA legend and NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo, international musician and producer YOSHIKI, and TV producer Ann Lopez, co- founder of the Lopez Foundation and Points of Light Service Ambassador.
“Yoriko and I are truly delighted and honored to host the inaugural Points of Light Tribute Awards,” said Ambassador Fujisaki. “Points of Light is such an impactful organization, and their work has directly affected the people of Japan, especially in the aftermath of the horrific disasters in 2011. We applaud the organization for its dedication to empower everyday citizens to support their fellow neighbors.” Press notes.
Ambassador Fujisaki, Dan Quayle, Neil Bush
The Scene:
