The iconic legacy of Bob Hope was honored Dec. 10 at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Heroes & History Makers Celebration at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
Hidden Heroes Campaign Chair Tom Hanks and Chief National Hidden Heroes Ambassador, TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie presented Hope with the Tom Hanks Caregiver Champion Award posthumously, in recognition of the entertainer’s more than five decades touring the world to bring laughter to service members and their families.
Linda Hope accepted the award on behalf of her father. Later in the evening, Hanks revealed that she wished to make a record-setting donation to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in her parents’ name and announced that the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation would contribute $5 million.
“We are deeply grateful for the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation’s unwavering support. Their generosity will be transformational and deeply impact the lives of America’s military and veteran caregivers and their families,” said Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “We are incredibly fortunate to receive such a gift in the name of the Hopes, as no family in our nation’s history has ever gone to greater lengths to support service members, veterans, their families and caregivers.”
The celebration, which featured Hidden Heroes Ambassador, actor and director Jocko Sims, and a performance by members of the American Pops Orchestra, paid tribute to the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Dole Caregiver Fellows Michele Hopkins of Warner Robins, Georgia and Shawn Moore of Kansas City, Missouri also shared their caregiving experiences from the stage.
Before the program drew to a close, Guthrie invited the Schintz family of Lizemores, West Virginia to the stage. Mike Schintz, who suffered combat wounds during his time in the Marine Corps, now counts on his wife Ashley for assistance with his care and that of their six kids. In recognition of her service, their family received a new vehicle thanks to the support of Wells Fargo.
Heroes & History Makers is the Foundation’s annual tribute to America’s 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers, the loved ones who voluntarily care for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans at home. The Tom Hanks Caregiver Champion Award has previously been presented to former First Lady Michelle Obama, music superstar Tim McGraw, actor and humanitarian Guthrie, and actor and Marine Corps veteran Adam Driver.