CNN Heroes: Sharing the Spotlight

(CNN) -- The people you admire have heroes too. This year, we reach out to former Blue Ribbon Panel members, as well as performers and presenters who appeared at our 2007 and 2008 "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" shows, to tell us about the people and causes that inspire them.

John Legend: The Show Me Campaign
Last year, the Grammy Award winner performed "If You're Out There" at "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute." Here, the founder of The Show Me Campaign shares the source of his inspiration to seek an end to global poverty.
His story | Get involved

Deepak Chopra: StartFund Global
A Blue Ribbon Panel member who helped select the Top 10 CNN Heroes in 2007 and 2008, Dr. Chopra explains how the new StartFund Global initiative co-funds projects he hopes will "create everyday heroes" around the world.
His story | Get involved

Holly Robinson Peete: Our Family Mantra
A member of the 2008 Blue Ribbon Panel, the actress co-founded the HollyRod Foundation , which supports people with Parkinson's disease. Here, she shares a personal story about her father and her son.
Her story | Get involved

Téa Leoni: A Heritage of Hope
For this 2007 Blue Ribbon Panel member, volunteering for UNICEF is a 50-year family tradition; her grandmother co-founded the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Today, the actress is an advocate for children's causes worldwide.
Her story | Get involved

In 2008, CNN Heroes asked several celebrities to share the spotlight with "everyday people" who are making a difference in causes that they support.

Mark Cuban and Ray Johnston
Entrepreneur Mark Cuban's hero, Ray Johnston, hasn't let his fight with leukemia get in the way of providing inspiration and opportunity for hundreds of Dallas-area youth.
Their story | Get involved

Cyndi Lauper and Cathy Nelson
Cathy Nelson motivates Cyndi Lauper and thousands of others across the country to help raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.
Read more | Their story | En Espanol | Get involved

Susan Sarandon and Rose Mapendo
Susan Sarandon's hero, Rose Mapendo, survived 16 horrific months in a death camp during the Congolese genocide and now helps save and resettle African refugees.
Read more | Their story | En Espanol | Get involved

Dana Delany and Luke Evnin
Dana Delany and her hero, Luke Evnin, are fighting to raise awareness and find a cure for a little-known disease that affects more than 300,000 people.
Read more | Their story | En Espanol | Get involved

Gretchen Wilson and Bernadine Nelson
Country singer Gretchen Wilson got her GED with the help of her hero, Bernadine Nelson. Together, they advocate the importance of adult education.
Read more | Their story | Get involved

Wynton Marsalis and Davey Yarborough
Musician Wynton Marsalis and his hero, Davey Yarborough, are inspiring young people through jazz.
Read more | Their story | En Espanol | Get involved

John Legend and "Mama" Mwadawa Ruziga
John Legend met "Mama" Mwadawa Ruziga in Mbola, Tanzania, where his Show Me Campaign is helping alleviate poverty. Her business collective makes and sells products from local fruits. (Photo courtesy: Erich Weiss)
Read more | Their story | Extra | En Espanol | Get involved

Shaquille O'Neal and Karen Earl
Shaquille O'Neal's hero, Karen Earl, helps women overcome domestic violence.
Read more | Their story | Get involved