California Woman Named National Hero Award Semifinalist for Taking Disadvantaged Kids on Mountain Bike Tours

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 -- As a young bicycle enthusiast in the mid-1980s, Marilyn Price often pedaled up the redwood-forested slopes across the Golden Gate Bridge. During one afternoon excursion, while looking at a sweeping view of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, she remembered the disadvantaged children she served when volunteering at St. Anthony's Dining Room in downtown San Francisco. The memory and view inspired Price to create Trips For Kids (TFK), an organization dedicated to taking underprivileged kids on scenic mountain bike trips. Now, Price has been identified as one of the nation's top 40 heroes and is 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 Price. 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.

Price began TFK with a simple hope and 10 donated mountain bikes. But she persevered in her belief that getting inner-city youth bicycling outdoors would connect them with nature, provide exercise and steer them away from trouble. The program has enabled more than 13,000 disadvantaged children from the San Francisco Bay Area to experience the natural world from the seat of a mountain bike. The program also teaches bicycle and computer repair work at the TFK warehouse. Through their apprenticeships, participants earn credits toward purchasing their own mountain bikes and computers.

Price's inspiration has, in turn, inspired hundreds of volunteers to join her cause -- 57 TFK chapters have since formed across the United States. Through her program, more than 38,000 inner city children nationwide have explored a world once closed off to them.

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 Price 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.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For photos and more information on the Volvo for life Awards visit http://www.volvocars-pr.com.