Chad accepted the CNN Hero of the Year award on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at a ceremony.
“He said I have had enough I’m not living in a landfill another entire summer. I can’t do it, I’m just going to go out and start picking up because apparently it’s not anybody else’s job.” said Chad’s mother KeeKee Pregracke.
In addition to the $50,000 Pregracke and his group Living Lands and Waters received for being in the Top 10, Pregracke will receive an additional $250,000 according to CNN, which sponsored the competition.