Program Note: CNN Heroes received nearly four thousand submissions from 75 countries. A Blue Ribbon Panel selected the Top 10 CNN Heroes for the year, and over 1 million of you voted for your CNN HERO OF THE YEAR

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Liz McCartney is dedicated to helping Hurricane Katrina survivors in St. Bernard Parish, a community outside New Orleans.

Liz McCartney | MY STORY

I am honored and humbled to be recognized as one of CNN's top ten heroes of the year. Initially, I was shocked and, honestly, I still am! I meet so many amazingly caring and hard working people every day that it feels awkward to be distinguished. So, I view this award as a tribute to Zack Rosenburg and the entire SBP team (staff, volunteers, donors and clients) who have all come together to rebuild 145+ families' home in St. Bernard Parish.

They demonstrate one of the major lessons that I've discovered since founding the St. Bernard Project: when our fellow Americans (and Canadians) know the truth, they want to help. We know this is true because we have had over 8,000 volunteers and raised nearly $4M in the past two years. When people know that our clients are good people, that the problems are solvable and that the solution is readily available, they want to help!

This award is also very timely. With recent storms in Texas and Southwest Louisiana, we have experienced a sudden drop off in volunteers. And while other areas need help, St. Bernard and the greater New Orleans area still do as well. This recognition is letting the American people that the New Orleans area still matters. When we've been featured on CNN in the past, we gotten a big bump in volunteers and donors. (For example, a web design firm in New York redesigned our website after seeing the first hero piece.) It is amazing what people will do to pitch in and be a part of the solution. So, please know that your work is making a big difference in our clients' lives.

Finally, we plan to leverage the award money by proposing a challenge to our fellow Americans: match the $25K from CNN that I am donating to SBP and become a SBP Hero! This match can be done by individuals or groups and will hopefully serve as a way to engage donors. With matches from SBP heroes, we will be much better positioned to address the enduring housing and mental health needs in St. Bernard. Also, if we raise sufficient funds, we might be able to expand into underserved areas in New Orleans.

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement.

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