30th Americares Airlift Benefit Honors George and Barbara Bush

Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Tony Goldwyn, Jonathan Bush Jr. and Americares President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis at the 2017 Americares Airlift Benefit. Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Americares.

Americares President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis (left) presents the Bob and Leila Macauley Humanitarian Spirit Award to Jonathan Bush Jr. Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Americares.

Stamford, Conn. – Oct. 16, 2017 – Americares 30th Airlift Benefit on October 14 honored President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush with the inaugural Bob and Leila Macauley Humanitarian Spirit Award. Named for Americares founders Bob and Leila Macauley, ordinary citizens who saw a profound need and risked everything to make a difference, the award recognizes extraordinary courage and commitment to humanitarian endeavors.

“We really want to thank you for this wonderful award,” Mrs. Bush said in a videotaped acceptance speech shown at the benefit. “We really don’t deserve it—though other people do—but we are thrilled to have it. Thank you very much, and thanks for all you do.”

Jonathan Bush Jr. attended the benefit on behalf of his aunt and uncle and accepted the award on stage.

The evening highlighted Americares responses to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. The organization’s emergency teams are working to restore critical health services in storm-ravaged communities, including delivering $36 million in medicine and relief supplies for survivors.

Hosted by longtime Americares supporters Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, and featuring a special appearance by Americares Ambassador Tony Goldwyn, the event raised over $3 million for the health-focused relief organization. Nearly 1,000 guests attended the sold-out fundraiser at Westchester County Airport.

The evening culminated with 100 guests boarding a plane for a 24-hour journey to Guatemala to see Americares health programs firsthand. Goldwyn and his daughter, Tess, both traveling on their first airlift, were among the passengers.

 Moffly Media is the exclusive regional magazine sponsor of the 2017 Americares Airlift Benefit