National vote underway for the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards; $100,000
charitable contributions awarded to finalists; winner receives Volvo car
for life
40 Semi-Finalists Selected; Vote at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com
IRVINE, Calif. Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- As an attending trauma surgeon
at R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Dr. Carnell Cooper
sees the same patients return again and again with gunshot and stab wounds.
Witnessing the cycle of violence among at-risk youth in his community
first-hand, Dr. Cooper felt he could do more than repair physical wounds.
However, after extensively researching the root causes of violence, Dr.
Cooper founded the Violence Prevention Program (VPP) to create a support
network for at-risk youth and prevent violence at its source. Dr. Cooper
has been identified as one of the nation's top 40 heroes and is now in the
running to be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" in the 6th Annual
Volvo for life Awards -- an annual, nationwide search for real-life heroes
across America.
Beginning today, the American public can visit
http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com and vote for Dr. Cooper. This democratic
vote will decide the program finalists in Volvo's 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.
Dr. Cooper rallied a research team, the juvenile justice and parole
systems, the Shock Trauma Center and outreach workers to participate in the
VPP to bridge the gap between the situations that lead to violence and
medical professionals. The VPP looks to prevent violence and save lives
before they reach the operating table. Dr. Cooper and his team have given
victims and perpetrators of violent crimes a real alternative to the "cycle
of violence." Research shows that participants in the VPP are three times
less likely to be arrested for subsequent violent crimes.
Since 2002, Volvo Cars of North America has identified more than 18,000
everyday heroes in its annual Volvo for life Awards, and has contributed
millions of dollars to their causes.
"Once again, Volvo is inviting America itself to serve as one of the
Volvo for life Awards judges," said Anne Belec, 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. "
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 Dr. Cooper 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 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 January 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. A Spanish version of the site can also
be accessed at this address.
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