Volvo’s Second Annual “Alexandra Scott Butterfly Award” to Honor Youth Heroes With $50,000 Charitable Donation
Nominate at www.volvoforlifeawards.com by Jan. 15, 2006
IRVINE, Ca. (Aug. 1, 2005) – Three years ago a young girl with a rare form of cancer and a very big dream captured the attention of Volvo Cars and forever galvanized the way the company approaches community service. Her name was Alexandra Scott and her mission: to raise money for pediatric cancer by holding lemonade stands. Today, on the first anniversary of her passing, the company launches a national search to provide charitable contributions on behalf of young heroes like her who are doing the extraordinary.
“The Alexandra Scott Butterfly Award” is part of the Volvo for life Awards, Volvo Cars of North America’s annual program to seek out and celebrate heroes of all ages. Today through Jan. 15, 2006, individuals nationwide are encouraged to visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com to nominate a child hero they know. Volvo will donate $25,000 to the Butterfly Award winner’s charity of choice.
Alex and her incredible story served as inspiration for the Butterfly Award. Alex, from Wynnewood, Pa., spent her lifetime battling cancer. In 2003, she became one of the first Volvo for life Awards winners for her fund raising efforts. She quickly gained national media attention and motivated kids nationwide to hold their own lemonade stands to raise funds for charity. What started as a simple but passionate idea has inspired a worldwide grassroots fundraising effort that raised more than $1 million in 2004 alone.
Though Alex passed away a year ago today, her dream lives on stronger than ever. Parents Jay and Elizabeth Scott continue promoting Alex’s cause and raising money for pediatric cancer research through their foundation, Alex’s Lemonade Stand. The Scott’s set their 2005 fundraising goal at $5 million.
“Alex’s enduring spirit will forever inspire individuals to passionately care about helping others,” said Anne Bélec, president and chief executive officer for Volvo Cars of North America. “We are honored to recognize other youth heroes and their accomplishments through the Butterfly Award.”
In March, Alex’s parents will select the winner of the Butterfly Award. For their efforts, Volvo will also donate $25,000 to Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
The Butterfly Award winner will be flown to New York City on April 12, 2006 to be honored at the fourth annual Times Square Volvo for life Awards Ceremony. There, Volvo will present their charitable contribution. The event will feature top music entertainment and a celebrity host, as well as documentaries profiling the Butterfly and Volvo for life Award winners.
For more information or 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
612-372-6447
eric@modernstorytellers.com
Sören Johansson
Volvo Cars of North America
949-341-6719
sjohan44@volvocars.com
