CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute was hosted by Anderson Cooper, assisted by celebrity presenters, and attended by an audience that included additional familiar faces from film, television, music and the arts. But the real stars of this philanthropic campaign‘s fifth televised celebration were the individuals it honored. Their work changed lives. They‘re people who provided wheelchairs for the disabled in Mexico, helped with financial assistance for those impoverished in the U.S., gave thrown-away hotel soap to the poorest of the poor, and fed hungry “motel kids.” A “young wonder” hero built 18 houses for impoverished families in Juarez, Mexico. Introduced with outstanding mini-documentaries, the 10 Heroes of 2011 then presented their own stories. Dr. Sanjay Gupta interviewed each award recipient, providing even more information. Each receives $50,000 for his or her project. The CNN Hero of the Year, selected by viewers voting throughout the year, received an additional $250,000 grant. Audience members watching on television as well as those in the auditorium were encouraged to support the charity of their choice. To date, more than $6 million has been raised through the CNN Heroes project. For using its vast resources in a powerful manner to foster public service by individuals, CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute receives a Peabody Award.