2003 VOLVO FOR LIFE AWARDS
FACT SHEET
WHAT
In its inaugural year, the Volvo for Life Awards is the largest-ever national search and celebration of everyday heroes, with Volvo Cars of North America providing more than $1 million in awards and contributions.
Launched December 2002, the program called for individuals nationwide to nominate a hometown hero they know at www.volvoforlifeawards.com. Volvo received 2,036 nominations over three months representing all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
The initiative culminates with the April 16, 2003, Volvo for Life Awards Ceremony, held in New York at Times Square Studios, Ltd.
WHY
The Volvo for Life Awards program was developed by Volvo Cars of North America to honor and celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their communities in the areas of safety, quality of life and the environment.
HEROES
Nominations for the 2003 Volvo for Life Awards were accepted through Feb. 28, 2003. In March, Volvo selected 50 semi-finalists, who each received a Certificate of Merit honoring their accomplishments. From those 50, Volvo selected 10 finalists, who each received $10,000. From those 10, a distinguished panel of eight judges selected the program's three winners, who are being honored at the Volvo for Life Awards Ceremony. Each winner will have $50,000 donated to the charity of his or her choice. The top winner, to be unveiled at the ceremony, will receive a Volvo car for the rest of his or her life.
JUDGES
Hank Aaron, Bill Bradley, Dr. Jane Goodall, Caroline Kennedy, Maya Lin, Paul Newman, Dr. Sally Ride, Eunice Kennedy Shriver
FINALISTS
The program's 10 finalists are:
WINNERS
From the 10 finalists, the distinguished panel of judges selected the program's three winners:
CEREMONY
The first-ever Volvo for Life Awards Ceremony is being held April 16, 2003, from 7 to 11 p.m. ET, at Times Square Studios, Ltd., in New York City.
Hosted by Jim Belushi.
Music by the Wallflowers, Los Lobos and Heather Headley.
Presentations by program judges Hank Aaron, Bill Bradley, Dr. Jane Goodall, Maya Lin, Dr. Sally Ride, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
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Contact:
Eric Davis, Haberman & Associates, 612-338-3900, eric@modernstorytellers.com.
Sören Johansson, Volvo Cars of North America, 949-341-6719, sjohan44@volvocars.com.
Media: For photos and more information on the Volvo for Life Awards: www.volvocars-pr.com.