CNN
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Nelly Cheboiwho in 2019 quit his lucrative job as a software engineer in Chicago to create a computer lab for Kenyan students, is CNN’s Hero of the Year 2022.
Online voters chose her among this year’s 10 CNN Heroes Top 10 finalists.
Cheboi’s nonprofit, TechLit Africa, has provided thousands of students across rural Kenya with access to recycled, donated computers — and the chance for a brighter future. .
As CNN’s Hero of the Year, Cheboi will receive $100,000 to expand his work. She and the other 10 top CNN Heroes honored at Sunday’s gala both received $10,000 cash prizes and additional grants, organizational training and support for the first time. support from the Elevate Prize Foundation through a new partnership with CNN Heroes. Nelly will also be named an Elevate Award winner, which comes with a $300,000 stipend and $200,000 in additional support for her nonprofit.
CNN’s Anderson Cooper and ABC’s Kelly Ripa co-hosted the 16th annual “CNN Heroes: A Tribute to the Stars,” featuring more than a dozen celebrity hosts.
Actress and singer Sofia Carson, who performed a song with award-winning musician Diane Warren at the event, said: “We are extremely honored to be here. “Diane wrote this incredible anthem ‘Applause’ for those who led, survived and fought and tonight we dedicate this song and performance to our heroes.”
Actor Aubrey Plaza introduced the first CNN Hero, Aidan Reillywho founded her nonprofit while attending college from home during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“From his pandemic chair, Aidan and his friends co-founded The Farmlink Project,” said Plaza. The nonprofit connects surplus food from farms across the United States — food that would otherwise go to waste — with those who need it. “In just two years, he.. has transferred over £70 million,” added Plaza.
Actor Adam Scott recalls a famous quote by a children’s TV presenter wearing a sweater when honoring nurses and medical staff Teresa GreyNon-profit organization Mobile Medics International sends medical teams to natural disasters and refugee crises around the world.
“Remember Mr. Rogers… told us that in scary times we need to seek help?” Scott said. “Well, meet Teresa Grey.”
Debra vines – has the non-profit organization The Answer Inc. supporting families affected by autism in underserved communities across Chicago – was honored by actress Holly Robinson Peete, a “country mom with autism.”
Vines says her team has provided programming and instruction to more than 4,000 families. “Join me and be a servant of change today,” Vines said as he accepted his award.
Emmy Award-winning actor Justin Theroux brings rescue dog Kuma to the stage to honor Carie Broecker and her nonprofit, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.
Two teens making a difference in their communities were also named Young Wonders 2022:
Ruby Chitsey, 15, from Harrison, Arkansas, started “Three Wishes for the Residents of Ruby,” donating personal items to nursing home residents who can’t afford them.
13-year-old Sri Nihal Tammana from Edison, New Jersey, started “Recycling My Batteries,” which removes used batteries from the ecosystem through a network of collection bins.
The program also honors two Georgia election workersShaye Moss and her mother Ruby Freeman, whose lives were turned upside down after false accusations that they were involved in election fraud went viral on social media.
CNN has partnered with GoFundMe to activate donate to this year’s Top 10 honorees. GoFundMe is the world’s largest fundraising platform empowering people and charities to give and receive help. Supporters can donate online to the Top 10 CNN Heroes nonprofits directly from CNNHeroes.com. Subaru is matching all donations up to $50,000 per honoree this year through January 3.
Do you know someone in your community doing amazing things to make the world a better place? Keep an eye on CNN.com/heroes and consider nominating that person as a CNN Hero in 2023. You can also read more about many of the 350 former CNN Heroes who have helped more than 55 million people across all 50 US states. States and in more than 110 countries around the world.
