Maggie Doyne, who was profiled recently by Hero Highlight, has won CNN’s 2015 Hero of the Year award.
She was picked out of ten finalists to receive the award through an online vote, and will be granted $100,000 to put towards her BlinkNow Foundation, which she used to open the Kopila Valley School in 2010. The school, located on land that Doyne purchased in Nepal, has become an integral part of the Surkhet community, offering students healthcare and a nutritious meal each day for lunch.
“If you had told me when I turned 18 that I was going to be the mom of 50 kids, I would have told you that you were totally crazy. And I am. And to my kids, I love you so much. Don’t ever forget how much I love you,” Doyne said while accepting the award. “And to the country of Nepal, thank you so much for loving me and accepting me as a daughter welcoming me into your country.
“And to all of you in this room and who are watching, please, please remember that we have the power to create the world that we want to live in, just as we want it. And that’s what all the Heroes here have done tonight.”
The annual program, hosted by Anderson Cooper and featuring celebrity presenters, will air on CNN Sunday, December 6. Congratulations to Maggie and the BlinkNow Foundation!
