This year, PEOPLE and Investigation Discovery celebrated incredible advocates whose dedication to victims’ rights and healing inspire a difference in the lives of others. Discover the powerful work of our 2017 honorees – Padma Lakshmi, Julianna Margulies, Alonzo Mourning and Gabrielle Union – and the charities they’re partnering with to bring these important issues to the forefront. Together we are committed to raising awareness and donating grants to support these causes on both a national and local level.
2017 Everyday Hero
Vanessa Russell was selected as the winner of the “Everyday Hero Contest” from over 600 entries! She founded Love Never Fails, after one of her 15-year-old dance students was sold into human trafficking. Since 2011, Love Never Fails has been committed to the well being of all youth and driven to restoration, education and to protect them from sex trafficking. Each of their programs addresses a survivors needs on their journey to safety and wholeness. Investigation Discovery honored Vanessa’s tremendous efforts with a $5,000 donation.