Tool manufacturer Lenox recently announced the top 10 finalists in its Extra Mile Hero Contest.

In 2008, Lenox officially kicked off the Extra Mile Hero Program with NASCAR driverJeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Lenox Industrial Tools RCR Chevrolet, by asking customers to submit stories of people they considered heroes; users and suppliers of industrial tools who go the extra mile for their community.

A professional and VIP judging panel read through more than 600 nominations before selecting the 10 finalists. Each of the 10 finalists won $3,100 with a matching gift going to their charity of choice.

The next phase of the contest, “America Votes,” is now live. America can vote on which of the finalists they think will make the best Lenox Extra Mile Hero by going towww.lenoxhero.comto cast their vote. The finalist who receives the most votes will not only carry the honor of being the Lenox Extra Mile Hero, but he or she also will win the grand prize of $31,000, as well as an additional $31,000 to be donated to charity.

Voting runs through April 30, 2009.  

But that’s not all! If Burton wins the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race scheduled for June 28, 2009, the company will increase the grand prize to $1 million for the winner to split equally with his or her charity of choice. The grand-prize winner will be announced at the 2009 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.