Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2009
Posted on 23. Nov, 2009 by dimaks in Life, News
The Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2009 awardees were revealed each hour by CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Thursday before an 11 p.m. “AC360″ special. the top 10 list features remarkable individuals “nominated by viewers for their sacrifices and accomplishments” and was announced Thursday on CNN.
2009 marks the 3rd annual global award for the distinguished individuals who are out there trying to change the world in their own little ways, yet somehow made or is making greater impacts than they can imagine. Hence, CNN, is as well heroic enough to come up and award these Top 10 Heroes of the year.
The CNN heroes were chose from more than 9,000 nominations submitted by viewers in 100 countries.
A panel comprised of luminaries recognized for their own dedication to public service selected this year’s Top 10 CNN Heroes. The blue ribbon panel includes humanitarians such as retired four-star Gen. Colin Powell, philanthropist Wallis Annenberg and Sir Elton John.
In addition to the $25,000, each of this year’s Top 10 CNN Heroes will be honored at “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,” airing from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood at 9 ET/PT on Thanksgiving night, November 26.
The Top 10 CNN Hero of 2009, in order of acceptance. (Texts following each Hero’s name were copied as is from the CNN website)
Jorge Munoz
School bus driver Jorge Munoz is helping hungry New Yorkers make it through tough times. Since 2004, he has handed out more than 70,000 meals from his mobile soup kitchen in Queens — for free.
Jordan Thomas
Jordan Thomas, 20, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, lost both of his legs in a boating accident in 2005. Since then, his Jordan Thomas Foundation has raised more than $400,000 to provide prosthetics for children in need.
Budi Soehardi
Budi Soehardi founded a children’s home in one of the poorest areas of Indonesia. Today, Roslin Orphanage in West Timor provides food, shelter and education to more than 45 children.
Betty Makoni
Zimbabwe native Betty Makoni founded the Girl Child Network to provide a haven for young victims of sexual abuse. The organization has rescued more than 35,000 girls since 2001.
Doc Hendley
Bartender Doc Hendley is providing clean water to communities worldwide. Through creative fundraising, his nonprofit Wine to Water has brought sustainable water systems to 25,000 people in five countries.
Efren Peñaflorida
Efren Peñaflorida gives Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. His Dynamic Teen Company’s 10,000 members have taught basic reading and writing to 1,500 kids living in the slums.
Derrick Tabb
Derrick Tabb started The Roots of Music to give young people an alternative to New Orleans’ streets. His music education program provides free tutoring, instruments and music instruction to more than 100 students.
Roy Foster
Army veteran Roy Foster started Stand Down House to help veterans struggling with addiction and homelessness in Florida. Since 2000, his program has provided life-changing services to nearly 900 veterans.
Andrea Ivory
Breast cancer survivor Andrea Ivory is bringing early detection to the doorsteps of uninsured women. With mobile mammography vans, her group has provided more than 500 free screenings in Miami, Florida.
Brad Blauser
Brad Blauser is providing hope and mobility to disabled children and their families in Iraq. Since 2005, his Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids program has distributed nearly 650 free pediatric wheelchairs to children in need.
And of course, for the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year went to Efren Peñaflorida, of the Philippines. Congratulations!
Source: CNN
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