Marilyn Adams Receives “Volvo for life”!
On March 19, Volvo made history for the sixth year in a row by announcing the winners of the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards. Emceed by actor Jay O. Sanders, this distinctive happening did not disappoint, especially when the year’s Grand Award Winner of a “Volvo for Life,” Marilyn Adams, was introduced to the eager audience.
Judges Maya Lin and Dr. Mae Jemison, along with host Anne Bélec, were just a few of the attendees at the celebration at Cipriani 42nd Street. The evening included hundreds of news, entertainment and automotive press representatives; Volvo and Ford executive management; and Volvo retailers and employees.
Music was provided by African singer Jean-Paul Samputu, reggae legend Ziggy Marley and Swedish rock band the Sahara Hotnights. But the real stars of the celebration were the real-life heroes selected as the 6th Annual Award winners. The winner of the Grand Award, and the Safety Award, was Marilyn Adams. Tragedy struck Iowan Marilyn and her family when her eleven-year-old son was crushed to death in a farming accident. Only a year after her son's death, she founded Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, promoting safe farming practices for children. With 139 chapters, this organization has prevented thousands of injuries and fatalities to farm kids – and saved their families from suffering the same fate Marilyn’s endured.
The “Environment” winner was Lorraine Kerwood. One of eleven children and once labeled “mentally challenged,” this Oregon woman eventually was graduated magna cum laude from the University of Oregon – and later taught herself how to rebuild computers. Her organization, NextStep Recycling, has supplied over 14,000 recycled computers to those in need. This not only helps keep excess components out of landfills but also bridges the digital divide between rich and poor.
The Quality of Life Winner was Matthew Sanford. At just thirteen, Minnesota’s Matthew was paralyzed after a car crash. Putting aside doctors’ advice to “forget his lower body,” Matthew discovered yoga, and the power of the mind-body connection. Now this nationally acclaimed author and expert yoga practitioner runs Mind Body Solutions, a non-profit that employs the ancient art and philosophy of yoga to speed physical rehabilitation for disabled people across America.
The Butterfly Award Winner was ten-year-old Zach Bonner, who already has a three-year career in public service behind him. This Florida boy works to help homeless children – including those affected by Hurricane Katrina – by collecting cash and donations of food, school supplies and toys. Zach also helped to organize a walkathon and a high school program to raise awareness about the problem of homelessness among America’s children.
To learn more about the winners, and view films and photographs from the awards event, please visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com.