Channel 7 Everyday Hero - Demi Merritt

Each week, Denver's ABC affiliate 7NEWS presents the "7 Everyday Hero" award. The award is given out once a week, presented during the Sunday newscast at 10pm. The program airs again throughout the week on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at select times.

The way the program works is that viewers nominate someone who stands out in the community; a person whom they believe should be honored for their contributions. 7NEWS has a selection committee in place that meets each week, reviewing all the nominees. It typically takes three to four weeks from the time a person is nominated for the selection committee to make a decision about whether that individual will receive the award. Recipients are selected based off numerous factors, including their ability to motivate others, make sacrifices, set an example, remain focused, solve problems, follow through with goals and to make a difference.

On Sunday, June 23, 2013, Demi Merritt will be presented with the "7 Everyday Hero" award by anchor Mitch Jelniker. Merritt is the founder of Demi's Animal Rescue, a registered 501c(3) non profit organization that rescues and adopts out animals. In addition to running the organization, Demi also volunteers and helps raise money for Reinrescue, Maxfund Animal Adoption Center and Edwards Foundation for Rescued Animals. 

What makes this award even more special? Demi Merritt is only 17! Her future goals include growing Demi's Animal Rescue into one of the largest rescues in Colorado, one that supports all types of animals from all over the world.

Demi's "7 Everyday Hero" segment will air at 10pm on Sunday, June 23. The segment airs again on Monday, June 24, at 5am, Thursday, June 27, at 11am, Saturday, June 29, at 5pm and Sunday, June 30, at 7am.