SUSAN SARANDON and 50 CENT were among the stars who saluted everyday heroes who have made a difference in their communities at a special gala on Sunday (02Dec12).

Ten individuals from around the world were recognized for their goodwill efforts at the sixth annual CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute, which was held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Oscar winner Sarandon presented the evening's coveted Hero of the Year plaque to Nepal's Pushpa Basnet, who has worked tirelessly to house and educate more than 140 children of incarcerated parents since 2005.

She was handed $50,000 in recognition of her work, while the Early Childhood Development Center - the organization she founded when she was 21 - received a $250,000 grant.

Rapper 50 Cent and Hollywood stars Maria Bello, Jane Lynch, Adrien Brody, Viola Davis and Josh Duhamel also handed out awards to other inspiring honourees, while David Spade, Rico Rodriguez and Miranda Cosgrove honored three charitable youngsters with Young Wonders trophies.