Pennsylvania Girl Raising Money for Children With Heart Defects Named National Hero Award Semifinalist

National vote underway for the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards; Local youth hero could win $25,000 charitable contribution

10 Butterfly Award Semifinalists Selected; Vote at www.volvoforlifeawards.com

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 20 -- Ten-year-old Kennedy Jet Kulish from Lancaster is one of 10 top hometown youth heroes from across the country being recognized in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards. Kennedy is a semifinalist in Volvo's national search for, and celebration of, hometown heroes and with enough votes, she could be in the running to win up to a $25,000 charitable contribution.

This year, Volvo selected 10 heroes from thousands of nominations in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life, Environment and the Butterfly Award, Volvo's youth category created in memory of Volvo for life Award winner, Alexandra Scott. Kennedy has been selected as a top 10 youth hero, and the American public is invited to learn more about all 40 heroes and vote for their favorites at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ now until Jan. 7, 2008.

When her younger brother, Kaeden, was born with a hole in his heart, Kulish started her own volunteer organization, "Kisses for Kaeden," to raise money for children with heart defects. Though only six years old, Kennedy did not let her young age prevent her from doing everything she could to help her brother and others born with similar conditions. The idea initially came to her just before her brother's first birthday party, when she suggested to her mother that the guests, in lieu of birthday presents, bring donations made out to the hospital that had saved Kaeden's life.

In four years, "Kisses for Kaeden" has raised more than $48,000 for various nonprofit organizations including Penn State Children's Hospital, the MDA Children's Miracle Network, the American Heart Association and Special Olympics. Though her brother, who underwent three open-heart surgeries before he was a year old, has since recovered from the effects of his heart defect, Kennedy continues her charitable work conscious of the fact that there are many children still suffering from heart conditions.

Kennedy coordinates groups of kids her age who together participate in a variety of projects such as lemonade stand fundraisers, charity auctions, toy drives, garage sales, bake sales and simple door-to-door collections. Kennedy is tireless and manages to have a fundraiser every month.

"If you are serious about helping others, even if you are a kid, you can," Kennedy said.

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.

"Our youth heroes are particularly inspiring because they show that no matter what age you are, you can make a very big difference," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "We're thrilled that the Butterfly Award has its own category this year, and encourage the public to visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ to learn more about these ten incredible kids and what they're doing to make the world a better place. And of course, support the heroes with their vote."

When the voting period ends January 7, 2008, a panel of distinguished judges will select one winner in each of the four categories. This year, Volvo doubled the charitable donation amount given to the top three winners in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment. Each will receive $100,000 for their charities; two runners-up in each category will receive $25,000. 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.

The Butterfly Award winner will receive a charitable contribution of $25,000 and two runners up will receive $10,000.

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.