Rogers Woman Named Semifinalist in National Hero Award Program for Raising Awareness About the Dangers of Heat Stroke

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. 21 -- In 1995, Rhonda Fincher's thirteen-year-old son, Kendrick, died following a collapse from heat stroke during an August pre-season football practice. Ever since, Fincher has dedicated her life to raising awareness about the dangers of dehydration so that no other parent should have to experience the heartache over the preventable death of his or her child. Now, Fincher 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 Fincher. 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.

In 1996, in the aftermath of their loss, Fincher and her husband founded the Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation to raise awareness about the potentially deadly consequences of dehydration for student athletes and to provide schools with the information and equipment they need to ensure that other students do not suffer heat stroke. As the foundation's full-time executive director, Fincher oversees a wide range of activities and events, including consultation with school district athletic programs to ensure they have procedures in place to prevent heat illness; hydration and heat illness education at local health fairs; the provision of "Cool huts," e.g., misting stations with free ice water during community events; and an Annual Youth Run, at which hydration and heat illness prevention are taught to 450-500 kids each year.

As a result of the foundation's efforts, Fincher has successfully changed many school athletics procedures at the local, state, and national level. The foundation, which comprises more than 100 volunteers, has also distributed more than one hundred and thirty thousand squeeze bottles, and accompanying heat illness prevention pamphlets, to children and athletes throughout the United States.

"The most rewarding part for me is seeing kids get excited about something as simple as drinking water," said Fincher. "It's great seeing them recognize how important such a simple thing is."

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 Fincher 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.