VOLVO LAUNCHES NATIONAL SEARCH FOR LOCAL HEROES
Unsung Hero Will Win Car for Life in Third Annual Volvo for Life Awards;
$1 Million in Contributions to Everyday Heroes
Nominate at www.volvoforlifeawards.com
(NEW YORK) June 24, 2004 –– Do you know a local hero –– a person who is seeking to improve the quality of life, safety and/or environment of others? Beginning today, Volvo Cars of North America is calling on people to nominate a hero they know in the nation’s largest annual search for and celebration of everyday heroes. One hero will even receive a new car every three years for life.
Now in its third year, the Volvo for Life Awards is a grassroots public service program that honors hometown heroes with $1 million in contributions. Through Jan. 10, 2005, Volvo invites people to submit hero nominations at www.volvoforlifeawards.com.
During the nomination period, Volvo will profile select nominees on www.volvoforlifeawards.com and in the media. Volvo is conducting this program to bring attention to the outstanding contributions individuals make to their communities and to inspire others to do the same.
“There has never been a better time than now to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of everyday people,” said Vic Doolan, president of Volvo Cars of North America. “We live in an historic time in which unfortunate events have become the norm. The nation wants to be inspired by the heroic spirit of the ordinary people who are creating positive change. We hope that by elevating these heroes onto a national stage, we can likewise encourage others to become more involved in helping their communities.”
In February 2005, Volvo will select 100 semi-finalists who will receive a Certificate of Merit to honor their accomplishments. Volvo will then select the top three finalists in three categories: safety, quality of life and environment.
From these nine finalists, a panel of judges representing some of the world’s foremost experts on care, conscience and character –– including Hank Aaron, Bill Bradley, Caroline Kennedy, Maya Lin, Paul Newman, Sally Ride, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and last year’s top winner Earnestine Russell-Drumgold –– will name one winner for each of the three categories. The category winners will each receive $50,000 to be donated to the charities of their choice. The remaining six finalists will each receive a $25,000 charitable donation.
The three category winners will be honored in New York on March 23, 2005 at the Volvo for Life Awards Ceremony in Times Square Studios Ltd. The event will feature top music entertainment and a celebrity host, as well as three documentaries profiling the category winners. The overall winner will be named and be presented with a Volvo car every three years for the rest of his or her life.
To learn more and to nominate a hero, visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.
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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 and www.volvoforlifeawards.com.
