GenerationOn, the youth service division of Points of Light, will honor lifestyle brand Alex and Ani, Prudential Financial Inc., as well as CBS 2 News anchor Maurice DuBois and his wife Andrea for their steadfast commitment to youth service and education at this year’s annual benefit on May 8 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City.

Carolyn Rafaelian, founder, creative director and CEO, will be accepting the award on behalf of Alex and Ani. Special guest Paula Abdul will be joining generationOn as Alex and Ani’s award presenter. 

“I am thrilled and humbled to be honored by such an incredible organization,” said Rafaelian. “GenerationOn helps young people to engage in their communities as civic leaders. I’m proud to be recognized by them.”

Alex and Ani, the fastest growing lifestyle brand, is a retailer and producer of made in America products, headquartered in Cranston. Charity by Design, a division of Alex and Ani, works with various non-profit organizations to create custom bangles where a portion of the proceeds are donated to those organizations. Since 2011, Charity by Design has donated over $10 million. In partnership with generationOn, the company created the Make Your Mark bangle, which has helped raise awareness and over $93,000 for the organization.

Charles F. Lowrey, executive vice president and chief operating officer for international businesses at Prudential, will be accepting the award on behalf of his business. GenerationOn, in partnership with Hasbro, will also honor six extraordinary young service leaders from across the country as the recipients of the fifth annual Hasbro Community Action Heroes Award.

Olympic medalist skiing stars Shannon Bahrke and Billy Demong will also be on hand to celebrate the evening’s honorees and the nationwide work of generationOn.

“Being able to recognize the essential support provided by individuals and corporations who share the mission of empowering our next generation through service from an early age is both important and thrilling,” says Silda Wall Spitzer, co-founder of generationOn and benefit co-chair. “Our honorees, Alex and Ani, Prudential Financial Inc. and Maurice and Andrea DuBois, have all contributed significantly in different ways to advance generationOn’s mission to inspire, equip, and mobilize youth to take action that changes the world and themselves through service. And our Hasbro Community Action Heroes are the heroes all kids can become.”

Now in their fifth year, Hasbro and generationOn will recognize the extraordinary achievements of six inspiring kids and teens with the Hasbro Community Action Hero Award. As the founding partner, Hasbro supports generationOn by lending its expertise through a multi-year, $5 million investment by the Hasbro Children’s Fund. This critical support helps generationOn provide kids of all ages with the tools and hands-on opportunities to understand the issues in their local and global communities – and become part of the solution.

“Hasbro is grateful to have generationOn as a dedicated partner in the youth service movement,” says Brian Goldner, president and CEO of Hasbro Inc. “The Hasbro Community Action Hero Award winners are stellar examples of the power of young people to make their mark on the world.”

Kevin Arquit, chair of the generationOn board, said, “A truly visionary partner, Hasbro has allowed us to reach a whole new audience of children and parents.”

GenerationOn is also proud to recognize Prudential Financial, which has partnered with the organization and supports generationOn’s service clubs and youth leadership training programs. Prudential is also committed to empowering youth to become leaders through the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.   

“We’re delighted to be honored by such an incredibly inspiring organization,” said Lowrey. “GenerationOn’s commitment to giving kids the tools and resources needed to better their communities and the world around them is truly priceless.”

Husband and wife duo Maurice and Andrea DuBois will be honored for their many years of volunteering with the organization, starting with Children for Children, which merged with Points of Light to become generationOn. The CBS 2 News anchor recalls kicking off the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day over a decade ago, saying, “It is remarkable to have watched this organization grow in reach and scope to inspire more kids each year. Andrea and I are excited to have two children of our own now to include in this important part of their education as citizens and members of their community.”