Country music legend Garth Brooks has been named the first-ever recipient of the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award for Caring and Compassion.
According to a press release, the award was created “to honor outstanding individuals who advance solutions to the world’s toughest challenges and exemplify the extraordinary traits of its late founder and the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush.”
Brooks will receive the honor this fall at the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Gala, which will be held Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.
“Garth is one of our generation’s true singer and songwriter legends – but what many people aren’t aware of, is Garth’s commitment and passion for creating viable change in communities across America,” shared Neil Bush, chairman of Points of Light. “My father always admired the way Garth used his visibility to support and lift up those in need. And much like my father, Garth is a true humanitarian whose generosity comes from his empathetic compassion for others.”
“The fact that this award is a reflection of 41, his beloved Barbara, and the work they believed in is the greatest honor,” Garth Brooks stated. “An award is only as good as its recipient – my hope and goal is to make the Bush family and the Honorary Chairs proud that Garth Brooks is the first name on this award for caring and compassion.”
Presidents George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama will serve as honorary chairs of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Gala, while Lauren Bush Lauren, granddaughter of President Bush, and Ray Chambers, founding chairman of the Points of Light Foundation, are the co-chairs of the upcoming Awards Gala.
Garth Brooks is the co-founder of the Teammates for Kids Foundation and a longtime Habitat for Humanity volunteer. His charitable efforts also span from supporting St. Jude Children’s Hospital, to aiding Nashville after the tragic flood of 2010 and much more.