Mom behind "Josh Project" honored by CNN - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Mom behind "Josh Project" honored by CNN

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TOLEDO, Ohio -

Hometown hero Wanda Butts was one of 10 people honored by CNN on their Heroes award broadcast Sunday night.

Wanda did not win the top prize of $250,000, that went to activist Pushpa Basnet.

Wanda was honored on a national level for her dedication to helping children learn how to swim. She is the  founder of The Josh Project.

The Josh Project began after a personal tragedy. Wanda lost her 16-year old son Josh in 2006 when he drowned in a lake while rafting. African American children are three times as likely to drown as white children and Butts was determined to take action to break the cycle.

As a finalist, The Josh Project will receive a $50,000 grant.

 

 

 

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