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…you just have to look inside your heart, and be the hero to the one in need…

CNN’s Anderson Cooper revealed Peñaflorida’s selection at the conclusion of the third-annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday night.

 

In October, CNN chose its 10 heroes, which included Efren Peñaflorida from an initial pool of more than 9,000 viewer nominations. Chosen by a Blue-Ribbon Panel, which includes former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, actress Whoopi Goldberg, media tycoon Ted Turner, singer Shakira, and Sir Elton John; each were honored with a documentary tribute and introduced by a celebrity presenter. Out of this 10 finalists, a hero will be decided by voting on line. This year a total of 2.7 million votes were made and I suppose you’re one on the 2.7 million who helped Efren to the top.

 

In his acceptance speech, Peñaflorida said “Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry. Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.”The gala event, taped before an audience of 3,000 at the Kodak Theatre, premieres on Thanksgiving, November 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the global networks of CNN.

 

 ”So to each and every person inside in this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers … you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be.”
 
   
Sources:  video:CNN.com; articles:CNN.com, inquirer.net