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. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CNN

Comedian Will Ferrell presents an award to Top 10 CNN Hero Maria Rose Belding. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CNN

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. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CNN

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." Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CNN

The American Museum of Natural History's "Whale Room" hosts the 2018 "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute." Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CNN

"Eighth Grade" actress Elsie Fisher introduces one of the CNN Heroes Young Wonders. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CNN

Actor John C. Reilly introduces CNN Heroes Young Wonder Liam Hannon, who provides free lunches to the homeless. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CNN

Lauren Bush Lauren presents an award to Top 10 CNN Hero Chris Stout, who builds tiny houses for homeless veterans. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CNN

Host Anderson Cooper enjoys a moment with Sully, the late President George H.W. Bush's service dog. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CNN

Top 10 CNN Hero Ellen Stackable accepts an award for her work with women prisoners in Oklahoma. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CNN

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. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CNN

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. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CNN

President and CEO of Subaru of America Tom Doll speaks to the audience. For a limited time, Subaru is matching donations to the CNN Heroes' causes up to $50,000. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CNN

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. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CNN

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. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CNN

Ted Danson, left, and his wife and fellow actor Mary Steenburgen present onstage. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CNN

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. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CNN

"Black Panther" actress Danai Gurira presents an award. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CNN

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. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CNN

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. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CNN

2018 CNN Hero of the Year Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong gives his acceptance speech. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CNN