VOTE 'HERO' IN 2007
American Public to Select Hometown Hero Finalists in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards; $1 million in charitable contributions awarded
40 Semi-Finalists Selected; Vote at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/
IRVINE, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2007) -- The Presidential election is one year away, but an important group of people already needs your vote. Forty of the country's top heroes have been identified and are now in the running to be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards. Beginning today, the American public can visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ and vote for their favorite heroes. This democratic vote will decide the program finalists in Volvo's annual nationwide hero search. Three winning heroes will receive $100,000 for their charities. One extraordinary winner will receive a new Volvo car every three years for life.
"Once again, Volvo is inviting America to serve as one of the Volvo for life Awards judges," said Anne Bélec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "Last year we had an overwhelming response with more than 700,000 votes tallied. This year's heroes are top notch. It will be tough to narrow the field down and pick winners, but Volvo is confident that America is up to the challenge. "
This year's top 40 heroes include a woman who created a leadership organization that trains girls as activists to fight body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, a man who designs and promotes sustainable housing and a young cancer patient who bakes cupcakes to raise money for arts and crafts programs in children's hospitals. Since 2002, Volvo Cars of North America has recognized more than 18,000 everyday heroes in its annual Volvo for life Awards, and has contributed millions of dollars to their causes.
In the end, every vote counts. Ten heroes have been selected in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life, Environment and the Butterfly Award, Volvo's youth category. The voting period will determine three finalists in each category. Visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ and learn more about what the top 40 hometown heroes are doing to make the world a better place now and in the future. Most importantly, support your local heroes with your vote and help bring more funding to your community.
Volvo Cars of North America leads the national initiative, honoring and rewarding local heroes with $1 million in financial contributions each year. This year, Volvo doubled the charitable donation amount given to the top three winners. One top hero in each of the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment will receive $100,000 for their charities; two runners-up in each category will receive $25,000. One extraordinary winner will go on to receive the title "America's Greatest Hometown Hero," and with it, a new Volvo car every three years for life.
A fourth Volvo for life Awards category is up for grabs this year - but only America's kids can reach it. Volvo is elevating its annual Butterfly Award to its own youth hero category - with a $25,000 prize for the winner and $10,000 to two runners-up.
When the voting period ends Jan. 7, 2008, a panel of distinguished judges will select one winner in each of the four categories. A Grand Award Winner, selected from the Safety, Quality of Life and Environment categories, will be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" and presented with a new Volvo car every three years for the rest of his or her life at the annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony in New York City, March 19, 2008.
To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/. To view mini documentaries of previous heroes, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/VolvoVFLA
A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.
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Contact: Kim McMartin, Haberman & Associates, 612-372-6447, kim@habermaninc.com
Media: For photos and more information on the Volvo for life Awards visit www.volvocars-pr.com.
