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Goodwill Industries International Encourages People To Vote for CNN’s Hero of the Year

November 13, 2008

Rockville, MD – Goodwill Industries International^® has joined forces with CNN^® Heroes to recognize ordinary citizens whose extraordinary deeds are making a difference in their communities and around the world. Goodwill^® encourages everyone to vote and help choose which of the ten honorees will become the 2008 CNN Hero of the Year. Goodwill, along with other renowned nonprofits including CARE^®, DoSomething.org^®, Habitat for Humanity International^®, Lions Club International^®, and the United Way^®, are rallying donors, members, volunteers, and their local communities to help choose the “Hero of the Year,” and raise awareness of this prestigious recognition.

“These finalists are helping people around the world by strengthening communities and giving them access to health care, education, jobs, and disaster relief,” says Jim Gibbons, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Their commitment to public service is an inspiration.”

After receiving nearly 4,000 submissions from 75 countries, a Blue Ribbon Panel helped select this year’s top 10. Each Honoree will receive a $25,000 award for his/her organization. The winner will be announced on "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" hosted by Anderson Cooper, which will air on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 27, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT).

“As a leading nonprofit provider of job training and support programs, Goodwill knows there is a great need for the work these honorees do every day,” says Gibbons. “We all benefit when others have the basic services they need to live better lives.”

For more information and to vote, please visit www.cnn.com/heroes. The winner will receive $100,000 and be revealed during the broadcast on Thanksgiving night.