A Pella-native received a new humanitarian recognition – The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award – on behalf of George H.W. Bush’s legacy foundation, Points of Light. Maria Rose Belding, Pella Community High School graduate and a representative of American University’s class of 2019, was honored with this prestigious award at The Points of Light celebratory gala Thursday in light of the significant and philanthropic impact she has had on communities across the country.
“Maria Rose’s commitment to supporting a cause she cares about is a shining example of what it means to be a point of light, reflecting President Bush’s belief in the power of service for the betterment of society,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Her leadership, innovation and dedication to fighting food insecurity have made a meaningful and lasting different in communities across the country – and she continues to be a passionate and impactful voice for positive change.”
Currently based in Washington, D.C., Maria Rose is co-founder and executive director at the MEANS Database, a nonprofit tech company that has rerouted more than 2.2 million pounds of food to communities in need across the US, and has frequently spoken on food insecurity, poverty, and responsible entrepreneurship in 25 US states and at the Obama White House. Belding says the roots of the organization started in Pella, and her work with the Pella Community Food Shelf, and expanded rapidly as she went to college.
“I was born almost three years after President Bush left office, and despite never having lived under his administration, I have found my life enormously shaped by his legacy,” said Maria Rose. “His efforts to create and build Points of Light has fueled and informed my work at many stages – from the L’Oreal Women of Worth Program to the President’s Volunteer Service Award to this incredible honor. 41’s establishment of service as an American way of life is living on through our generation, and I am deeply honored to be among the young adults now carrying on the mission.”
Her work has earned her recognition as a L’Oreal Woman of Worth (2015), a Starbucks Upstander (2016), and a Glamour College Woman of the Year (2018). In December 2018, at age 23, she became the youngest woman ever featured as a CNN Hero of the Year. Nearly one year after George H.W. Bush’s passing and nearly 30 years since Points of Light was founded, the Bush Family is honoring the late president’s legacy by recognizing extraordinary individuals who exemplify his belief in humility, empathy, and the power of the human spirit. The award celebrates a person’s significant and impactful history of service and our fellow citizens’ ability to create positive change on a global scale. All of these qualities are ones that President Bush emulated and celebrated, which is one of the reasons why Presidents Carter, Clinton, Bush, and Obama are all honorary committee members of the Award.
Hear more about Belding’s honor on today’s In Depth with Dr. Bob Leonard.