Local Woman Named Semifinalist in National Hero Award Program for Putting 'Happy Faces' on Children in Need

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 -- Dr. Julie Reedy could have chosen to retire after a long and fruitful career as a psychologist. Instead, she created Happy Faces Foster Agency (HFFA) to help neglected, abused and medically fragile children whom neither government nor standard for-profit foster agencies would serve. Now, Dr. Reedy 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 Dr. Reedy. 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.

A psychologist and caring parent of two children of her own, Dr. Reedy used her retirement savings to co-found the Happy Faces Foster Agency (HFFA) with her husband, to provide homes to the thousands of children who slip through California's foster care system each year. With the help of a staff of 18 highly skilled professionals and 37 specially trained foster families, Dr. Reedy has placed more than 370 children in caring foster homes in less than two years of operation.

"The most rewarding part for me is seeing a child come in who could barely move start to pull up, play with toys and try to connect with you," said Dr. Reedy. "We give them the attention and the unconditional love they need to get back on track and provide resources to bring families back together. Our whole desire is reunification of families, and we've seen 95 percent of kids return to relatives."

As well as continuing to obtain training and certification for foster homes and families, Dr. Reedy hopes to create transitional housing to provide financial support, education and job opportunities for 18-24 year-olds who get kicked out of the foster system at age 18.

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. Reedy 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