Last night, at the 18th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, Stephen Knight was celebrated as the 2024 CNN Hero of the Year.
This incredible honor recognizes Knight’s innovative work supporting pet owners facing addiction. Since launching Dogs Matter in 2015, Knight has been on a mission to provide safe, temporary foster care for pets while their owners focus on recovery—ensuring family bonds remain intact and pets stay safe.
Each of the Top 5 CNN Heroes will receive a $10,000 grant, with Knight receiving an additional $100,000 as the Hero of the Year to expand his impactful work. During his acceptance speech, Knight expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying:
“This means everything. I represent so much here. I represent the recovery community. The dog rescue community…This is going to be able to take us to the next level.”
CNN has partnered with GoFundMe to facilitate donations to the Top 5 honorees’ nonprofit organizations via CNNHeroes.com. Donations will be matched by the Elevate Prize Foundation up to $50,000 per hero through January 5, 2025, amplifying the support for these remarkable changemakers.
Elevate Prize Foundation Matching Donations
Elevate Prize Foundation will match, dollar-for-dollar, donations made to Dogs Matter—up to $50,000!
- The match is for individual donations up to $5,000 each. (Donors can make multiple donations!)
- All eligible donations must be made through our GoFundMe account.Donation link here
Be part of the Final Stretch for Second Chances—share today to support Stephen Knight and Dogs Matter in continuing their life-changing work.
About Dogs Matter
Dogs Matter helps place dogs with temporary foster homes while their owners are away seeking in-patient treatment and getting the help they need. The collaboration between DPA and Dogs Matter amplifies our ability to support more pet owners within our community, ensuring that they won't need to worry about losing their beloved dogs while they focus on their well-being by seeking the help they need.
About Dallas Pets Alive!
Dallas Pets Alive! is a volunteer-run, foster-based rescue that promotes and provides the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals in North Texas. We focus on rescuing healthy and treatable pets at the greatest risk of being euthanized, reducing owner surrender through our Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS) program and opening shelter kennel space by transporting our animals to partners in cities in need of adoptable animals. Learn more at dallaspetsalive.org.
