The giving Back Awards: 15 People Who Make America Great

—Peg Tyre

Philanthropy's All-Star Team

The folks below are, to be blunt, the no-brainers. In some cases, their very names have become synonymous with a cause. Lance Armstrong: cancer research. Al Gore: the environment. Oprah: free cars. (Actually, those famous wheels are just the tip of the "niceberg" for Winfrey.) They've used every asset they've got to spread the gospel of giving--their money, their brains, even their pretty faces. Let's return the favor by giving them a tip of the cap.

Lance Armstrong
Cancer Research

His ubiquitous Livestrong bracelets have raised $55 million for cancer survivors. And his deathbed-to-cycling-god personal story has re-energized the fight for a cure.

Veronica Atkins
Obesity, Diabetes