Talented actor Jason Ritter's acceptance message regarding his official naming and award of being The Most Huggable Celebrity of 2018. Thanks and Hugs Jason!
2020:
MAXWELL AND FINNEGAN: Two toddler best friends, Maxwell and Finnegan, were recorded hugging each other on a Washington Heights New York City sidewalk. Maxwell’s father Michael Cisneros noted, “Racism is taught. Hatred is taught. These two boys don’t see anything different within each other. They love each other for who they are and that’s exactly how it should be. We just want to raise loving, caring boys, and I think the world likes to see a little bit of hope.”
KEANON LOWE: Coach and security officer at Parkrose High School in Portland, Oregon. In summary, on May 17, 2019 Keanon was called into a school bathroom to locate a student who reportedly had a shotgun. The student exited the bathroom, pointed the shotgun at himself, and unsuccessfully tried to fire it off. Keanon took the shotgun, handed it off to another nearby adult, and began HUGGING the student for about 20 seconds while sharing words of comfort and hope. No one was injured.
2019:
Jude Sasfy, the little boy and social media sensation who gave everyone a goodbye HUG in Atlanta’s Cabbagetown neighborhood for its Chomp and Stomp Festival. Son of parents Nick and Stephanie Sasfy of Atlanta, GA. Atlanta’s Cabbagetown neighborhood for its Chomp and Stomp Festival. Nick Sasfy told ABC News, "Considering today’s climate of division and hatred, we believe that the interest and reactions are attributed to people seeing the positive image of an innocent child hugging complete strangers [who, for the most part, don’t look like him] without judgment and hesitation.”
Nichole Schlappler's Kindergarten classroom at Birchwood Elementary in Birchwood, Wisconsin. She is one of many teachers who are implementing various forms of greeting such as HUGS, handshakes, fist-bumps, smiles and high-fives children can choose from as positive human interactions with others. According to Mrs. Sclappler, "Most of them choose the hugs."
2018:
Jason Ritter of the recent hit TV series "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World!" During late summer 2017, Jason broke the Guinness Record for the Most Hugs in Under One Minute! In the opening series premiere of "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World," Jason's character Kevin begins hugging. Jason recognizes the Power of Hugs and how acts of kindness can make our world a better place! 2018 celebrated Jason as The Most Huggable Celebrity!
2017:
Jürgen Norbert Klopp-Liverpool (UK) Premier League Football Club’s team manager (See Photos Here)
2016:
Tim Harris-Special Olympian who hosted his first Hug-A-Thon in 2014 where he hugged more than 1000 people and raised $6,000 for a non-profit organization Firefighters Random Acts. In 2015, Tim hugged more than 2,000 people and earned $13,000 in donations.nd raised $6,000 for a non-profit organization Firefighters Random Acts. In 2015, Tim hugged more than 2,000 people and earned $13,000 in donations.
2015:
Baymax-Disney's Big Hero 6 animated character. Website: http://movies.disney.com/big-hero-6/
2014:
The Youth of the World-With hugging gaining in popularity on such a global scale, there is evidence this movement is being supported by the youth of the international community. According to a May 2009 New York Times article, hugging has become the favorite social greeting when teenagers meet or part.
2013:
Scott Van Duzer-Fort Pierce, Florida. In September 2012, Scott was visited by then President Barack Obama at his restaurant. To everyone's surprise, Scott actually picked up the President and began Bear Hugging!
2012:
Gloria A. Mecca-Scottsdale, AZ founder of "Heavenly Hug Angels."
Other past winners have included:
Ellen DeGeneres-talk show host and comedian, who is seen as a hugger who demonstrates hugging her family, friends and guests.
Joan Rivers-Comedian who said because of National Hugging Day she was tempted to start saying, "Can we hug?" instead of, "Can we talk?"
