A man with ties to Lexington has been honored for his Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Texas. Zachary Dearing, who moved to Rockpoint Texas from Lexington earlier this year, was recognized over the weekend as one of five Daily Point of Light awardees.
Dearing arrived at an evacuation center and, after realizing no one was in charge, took the lead in organizing recovery work.
“I noticed a couple of young kids, age 16 to 19. They knew they wanted to help, but weren’t quite sure how. So, I just simply asked, ‘Who’s ready to work?’ and all of them raised their hand,” said Dearing.
His story was included in a video shown Saturday during the “Deep from the Heart: The One America Appeal" concert.
“When you are in a position to help others when they cannot help themselves, it’s your duty to do so,” said Dearing, “It’s no longer a me situation, it’s a we situation.”
Dearing commented on the video, “being the one there for somebody in their time of need matters. In the spirit of Points of Light, you are that point of light.” Points of Light is described as the largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.
Five former living U.S. presidents attended the event at Texas A&M University. President George H.W Bush was the first in American history to institute a daily presidential recognition program from the White House.
