Formed in memory of her husband , the Wall Street Journal reporter kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan in 2002 , its mission is to promote cross-cultural understanding . Blue Ribbon List of leaders and humanitarians . Top 10 CNN Heroes . ` ` CNN Heroes : An All - Star Celebration '' will showcase work of this year 's honorees . Anderson Cooper will host the global broadcast on Thanksgiving , 9 p.m . ET . Vote for the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year at CNN.com / Heroes .
Blue Ribbon List of leaders and humanitarians . Top 10 CNN Heroes . ` ` CNN Heroes : An All - Star Celebration '' will showcase work of this year 's honorees . Anderson Cooper will host the global broadcast on Thanksgiving , 9 p.m . ET . Vote for the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year at CNN.com / Heroes .