Inside ‘CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute’
|Co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Anderson Cooper open the 12th annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” at American Museum of Natural History on Sunday, December 9, 2018, in New York City.
Comedian Will Ferrell presents an award to Top 10 CNN Hero Maria Rose Belding.
Top 10 CNN Hero Maria Rose Belding accepts her award onstage. Belding launched MEANS, a free online platform that connects businesses with extra food to charities that feed the hungry.
Top 10 CNN Hero Luke Mickelson accepts his award from actor Bryan Cranston, left, onstage during the 12th annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.”
The American Museum of Natural History’s “Whale Room” hosts the 2018 “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.”
“Eighth Grade” actress Elsie Fisher introduces one of the CNN Heroes Young Wonders.
Actor John C. Reilly introduces CNN Heroes Young Wonder Liam Hannon, who provides free lunches to the homeless.
Lauren Bush Lauren presents an award to Top 10 CNN Hero Chris Stout, who builds tiny houses for homeless veterans.
Host Anderson Cooper enjoys a moment with Sully, the late President George H.W. Bush’s service dog.
Top 10 CNN Hero Ellen Stackable accepts an award for her work with women prisoners in Oklahoma.
Kelly Ripa speaks with 2018 Young Wonder Melati Wijsen during the 12th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. Wijsen and her sister Isabel created Bye Bye Plastic Bags, an initiative to help Bali, Indonesia become plastic bag-free. Their efforts include river and beach cleanups and educating schools, families and local shops about the issue.
Top 10 CNN Hero Florence Phillips accepts her award onstage. Phillips, 88, is the founder and director of the ESL In-Home Program in Carson City, Nevada.
Top 10 CNN Hero Dr. Rob Gore accepts his award. Dr. Gore created Kings Against Violence Initiative, an organization that hosts anti-violence programs at Kings County hospital, local schools and the broader Brooklyn, New York community.
The audience stands to applaud men and women honored for their quick action to help others: From left to right, Ashley Kurth, Melissa Falkowski, Shanthi Viswanathan, James Shaw, Dr. Jeff Cohen, and Rabbi Jeffrey Myers.
Ted Danson, left, and his wife and fellow actor Mary Steenburgen present onstage.
Top 10 CNN Hero Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong accepts his award onstage during the 12th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute ceremony. Dr. Pun-Chong’s nonprofit Inspira has provided free housing, meals, and overall support for sick children and their families as they receive treatment.
“Black Panther” actress Danai Gurira presents an award.
Top 10 CNN Hero Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin accepts her award onstage. Ajayi-Akinfolarin teaches computer programming to girls in Lagos, Nigeria, where Facebook and Google opened offices earlier in 2018.
Top 10 CNN Hero Susan Munsey accepts her award. Munsey is the founder of Generate Hope, a San Diego-based safe house for survivors of sex trafficking. Generate Hope offers healing and the opportunity to find restoration with long-term housing and trauma-informed therapy, education, and vocational support.
2018 CNN Hero of the Year Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong gives his acceptance speech.
The Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2018 pose with Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa onstage.