Indonesian nominated for CNN Hero of the Year

Indonesian pilot Budi Soehardi is among the top 10 candidates for the CNN Hero of the Year award to be given to individual whose accomplishments, impact and personal story have inspired others.

Budi won the nomination for his all-out support for impoverished children in West Timor. Along with his wife Peggy, Budi founded an orphanage where he now looks after 47 children. The couple grows rice to sustain the orphanage's food supply.

The nominees were selected by CNN’s Blue Ribbon Panel, which includes former US secretary of state Colin Powell, legendary British singer Elton John, movie star Whoopi Goldberg and 10-time NBA championship-winning coach Phil Jackson.

The winner will be the candidate with the most votes. People around the world are invited to vote at the CNN website, www.cnn.com.

CNN will announce the award winner and honor the Top 10 CNN Heroes in a star-studded gala celebration, "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute", on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, from the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.