IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Once again, "helping others" made it on to the top-10 holiday season to-do lists of millions of Americans. If you have it on your list, here's an easy way to cross it off -- help someone already helping others by voting for your favorite Volvo for life Awards nominee in the nation's largest annual search for and celebration of everyday heroes. Nearly 200,000 votes have been cast so far, making for a tight race nationwide -- so your vote counts. But hurry, there's less than two weeks left to vote, the poll to elect the nation's greatest hometown heroes closes Jan. 7, 2008.
Volvo Cars of North America has led this national initiative since 2002, honoring and rewarding local heroes. So far, 10 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 to vote and learn more about how these amazing hometown heroes are giving back to their communities.
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. All winners will be recognized at the annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony in New York City, March 19, 2008.
A fourth Volvo for life Awards category is also up for grabs this year -- but only America's kids are eligible for 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 including Hank Aaron, Bill Bradley, Dr. Sally Ride, Maya Lin, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Mae Jemison and Edsel Ford, will select one winner from the three finalists in each of the four categories.
To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address. To view mini documentaries of previous heroes, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/VolvoVFLA.