Points Of Light Foundation

On Jan. 9 and 10, The Times made a series of accusations about the expenditures and programs of the Points of Light Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Because accountability and responsiveness are important to maintaining public confidence and support, we spent over 100 hours researching and answering questions from the writer, Glenn Bunting. Either Bunting didn't understand our work or his own bias affected his perception of the truth. Here are the facts: We're not, nor were we ever intended to be, a grant-making organization giving away money.

In a glowing tribute to a Republican predecessor, President Obama on Friday praised President George H.W. Bush as an example of someone who eschewed "a life of comfort and privilege" and instead devoted himself to public service -- inside government and out. During an evening speech to honor the public service institute that Bush founded two decades ago, Obama called for cooperation between Republicans and Democrats. The former president, he said, proved that "the R or D next to your name is irrelevant" in challenging times.

Promoting, encouraging and rewarding volunteerism were hallmarks of the Bush Administration. President George Bush believed that volunteers, whom he called a "thousand points of light," could fight the nation's hunger, homelessness and poverty better than government bureaucracies. To motivate Americans to engage in community service, Bush launched a private, nonprofit foundation in 1990. Today that foundation--the Points of Light Foundation--operates under a cloud.

An Orange County woman who has devoted more than a decade to helping the needy said she's being treated less than charitably by the Points of Light Foundation, the nonprofit giant that honors exemplary volunteer work nationwide. The organization's director sent a letter to Nancy Fontaine of Tustin in May demanding that she drop the name of her local charity--"Pointes of Light." "I thought it was a very cold letter, almost threatening," Fontaine said. "I was a little surprised."

Throughout his presidency, George Bush persistently promoted his "1,000 Points of Light" campaign as the antidote for hunger, homelessness and poverty. The slogan, coined during Bush's acceptance speech at the 1988 Republican National Convention, grew in popularity to become a signature of his Administration. Six days a week, Bush honored someone--a so-called Point of Light--for performing exemplary volunteer work.

An Orange County woman who has devoted more than a decade to helping the needy said she's being treated less than charitably by the Points of Light Foundation, the nonprofit giant that honors exemplary volunteer work nationwide. The organization's director sent a letter to Nancy Fontaine of Tustin in May demanding that she drop the name of her local charity--"Pointes of Light." "I thought it was a very cold letter, almost threatening," Fontaine said. "I was a little surprised."

In a glowing tribute to a Republican predecessor, President Obama on Friday praised President George H.W. Bush as an example of someone who eschewed "a life of comfort and privilege" and instead devoted himself to public service -- inside government and out. During an evening speech to honor the public service institute that Bush founded two decades ago, Obama called for cooperation between Republicans and Democrats. The former president, he said, proved that "the R or D next to your name is irrelevant" in challenging times.

Someone Cares Soup Kitchen founder Merle Hatleberg is the winner of today's Daily Points of Light Award, a commendation created by former President George Bush that recognizes volunteerism across America. The award applauds the 12 years of effort that Hatleberg, a retired dietitian, has poured into serving free lunches to the poor in Costa Mesa.

In reference to the Jan. 9 article, "Bush-Inspired Charity Shadowed by Questions," the Volunteer Center of Greater Orange County would like Orange County residents to be aware of the significant and positive impact the Points of Light Foundation has had in our community. The Points of Light Foundation in 1991 jump-started the Volunteer Center's campaign of mobilizing local residents into community service through a $50,000 grant. With 1990 information about Orange County volunteering suggesting that only 29% of Orange County residents volunteer, the foundation's grant was a needed impetus to moving the county forward to greater community involvement.

A handful of local companies have joined a volunteer center to form the Corporate Volunteer Council of the San Fernando Valley to help one another and local charities. "We are trying to find corporations interested in bettering the community," said Joan Kagan, administrator of agency relations for the Volunteer Center of the San Fernando Valley, which started the council based on a model created by the Points of Light Foundation.

Someone Cares Soup Kitchen founder Merle Hatleberg is the winner of today's Daily Points of Light Award, a commendation created by former President George Bush that recognizes volunteerism across America. The award applauds the 12 years of effort that Hatleberg, a retired dietitian, has poured into serving free lunches to the poor in Costa Mesa.

On Jan. 9 and 10, The Times made a series of accusations about the expenditures and programs of the Points of Light Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Because accountability and responsiveness are important to maintaining public confidence and support, we spent over 100 hours researching and answering questions from the writer, Glenn Bunting. Either Bunting didn't understand our work or his own bias affected his perception of the truth. Here are the facts: We're not, nor were we ever intended to be, a grant-making organization giving away money.

Promoting, encouraging and rewarding volunteerism were hallmarks of the Bush Administration. President George Bush believed that volunteers, whom he called a "thousand points of light," could fight the nation's hunger, homelessness and poverty better than government bureaucracies. To motivate Americans to engage in community service, Bush launched a private, nonprofit foundation in 1990. Today that foundation--the Points of Light Foundation--operates under a cloud.

Throughout his presidency, George Bush persistently promoted his "1,000 Points of Light" campaign as the antidote for hunger, homelessness and poverty. The slogan, coined during Bush's acceptance speech at the 1988 Republican National Convention, grew in popularity to become a signature of his Administration. Six days a week, Bush honored someone--a so-called Point of Light--for performing exemplary volunteer work.

The City Council honored 12 individuals and youth organizations last week for their work in various programs that advance education, racial harmony, drug and alcohol prevention and other concerns. Honored were Kristen Short, youth adviser of the Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commission; Brea Olinda High School Associated Student Body; Peer Assistance Team; American Explorers Youth Board; Jackie Sitton, Community Services volunteer, and the Brea Olinda High School Key Club.