And the Finalists Are ...

We received hundreds of nominations, chose 50 semifinalists, then narrowed the list down to 20. Now, we are thrilled to present our 5 winners, selected from among YOUR nominees. Today's Extraordinary Grandparents are in the news! See some nominees who were interviewed by local TV stations here. How are you going to celebrate Grandparents Day? For activity ideas and more, click here.

Papa, of New Milford, Conn., is the full-time caregiver for his three grandsons; the boys’ parents and their Grammy work. Douglas wouldn’t change things for the world. He loves to help the kids with their studies during the school year — and in summer, he keeps them entertained from morning until night. Most important, Douglas has taught the kids to treat others as they would like to be treated themselves. Nominated by Lynne, his wife.

This Lakeland, Fla. grandmother of three has "made a true difference in the lives of many, many children." Besides raising her daughter and two kids, one of whom has autism, Debby, through an organization called GAL, has devoted her life to volunteering to help abused, neglected, or otherwise at-risk children. Nominated by her son, Mike.

Known to her granddaughter as "GG," this grandmother of one, from New York City, encourages her granddaughter to excel in every aspect of life. Gloria's granddaughter has even referred to GG as her "second mother" because she has had such a positive effect on her life — encouraging her to overcome shyness, instilling in her the importance of helping others, and — for fun — having her visit for weekly sleepovers. Gloria is helping to transform her granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah into a charitable opportunity. Guests' gifts are to be donations for a foundation Gloria helped her granddaughter set up for the children's division of a hospital and for a community service organization. On top of that, the centerpieces on the tables will be basketfuls of nonperishable foods that will go to an organization that provides children with free breakfast during the summer. Nominated by Marisa, her granddaughter.

Mary, of Austin, Tex., is a grandmother of two and a great grandmother. Every Tuesday, for at least the past 15 of her 20 years as a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, she has delivered a freshly baked cake to the children who are spending time at the center. She also plays piano and sings at an institution for patients with special needs. And at 88, she still dances three times a week. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren call her a "hoot." Nominated by Clint, her friend.

Despite health problems, this grandmother of 11, from Vincennes, Ind., has taught her grandchildren that life is bigger than oneself. Through her example, they have learned the true gift of giving. Together they serve as volunteers at the community food pantry; they also coordinate outreach for the WE CARE military program, packing boxes for Knox County military stationed far away from family. In addition, Lois organizes the annual Christmas gift-drive for 250 needy children. Nominated by RSVP director Patty.

After a seven year custody battle over her two granddaughters, Marietta, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., finally succeeded in the long endeavor. When she discovered there wasn’t a support group in southern Florida for children being raised by relatives, Marietta and her granddaughters founded "Bella’s Group," named after the granddaughter who sparked the search for such a group. Marietta has empowered Isabella to reach out to others and help. The group organizes four parties a year for members to meet and share their experiences. Nominated by her friend, Bruce.

Richard, of San Jose, Calif., a grandfather of three, has been involved in his granddaughter's school since she was in kindergarten, and is known as "Papa" to the entire school. He has enjoyed a very active role in the PTA, starting off as a local volunteer and working his way up to become incoming president of the Sixth District PTA in California. Richard has taken on the challenge of increasing the participation of men and grandparents in the PTA. Nominated by his wife, Lupe.

Alene, of Palm Harbor, Fla, is an "amazing grandmother" of five, who makes sure that building family and community is at the center of everything she does. She has organized as many as 300 student-volunteers and holds "granny camp" for her own grandchildren. Students love her most for the outdoor classroom she organized and built. Nominated by Amy, her daughter.

Samshad and Ramend, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, grandparents of two, look after their granddaughter while their daughter is away on active duty with the Air Force. Both grandparents work full-time and still find time to spend with their granddaughter. They help her stay in touch with her mother via webcam, and have taught themselves how to use different Web applications successfully, including e-mail, Skype, and chatting. Most important, they have made a positive impact on their grandchild's life at a formative time — from baby to toddler — loving and raising her well. Nominated by their daughter, Dorren.

Mildred, of El Cajon, Calif., a grandmother of two, is caring for her grandson; his mom is in the Air Force and scheduled to spend 14 weeks training in Texas. Recently, Mildred was diagnosed with a serious illness, but she insists that she will continue to mind her grandson, even though her daughter offered to return home and take over the responsibility. Mildred told her daughter that her grandson would be a help to her. Nominated by her daughter, Sha'Quanda.

More than 20 years ago, Bob, of Hadley, Mass., a grandfather of one, started, along with his wife and daughter, Annie and the Natural Wonder Band — music that educates and entertains children about nature. The band performs at the United Nations, the Bronx Zoo, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, schools, and libraries. Recently, Bob and his wife relocated to live with their daughter and granddaughter; they are enjoying bringing their granddaughter on the musical journey. Nominated by his daughter, Elizabeth.

Sandra, of Warwick, R.I., is involved in the upbringing of her four grandchildren. She welcomed her son and his two preschool children into her home, providing a loving environment. She nurtures the children's interests: coaching her grandson at baseball for his Little League team, reading to them, and teaching them positive life lessons. She also provides support for her other grandchildren, flying across the country to help her daughter when her son-in-law is deployed. Sandra does all this while managing her real estate business — she is truly a "remarkable" grandmother. Nominated by Kelly and Kyle, her children; and Kirsten, her friend and colleague.

UPDATE: Rose-Marie Chierci has shared a message about the recent earthquake in Haiti with Grandparents.com. Read her statement about the country's urgent need, and find out how to contribute to support the victims and Rose-Marie's ongoing work. Raised in Haiti and arriving in the States at 18, Rose-Marie, of Rochester, N.Y., a grandmother of three, was a housewife for 18 years. She received her Ph.D. at 40 and turned into reality her dream of helping disadvantaged youth in her homeland. Her organization, called hopehaiti.org, helps one of the most underserved communities in the world. Today, she is a professor of anthropology and continues to remain in tune with the pulse of our nation's youth. Nominated by Hillary, her daughter-in-law.

Thirty years ago, Helena, of Washington, D.C., came up with the idea of taking grandchildren on vacation without their parents. Since that time, she has enriched the lives of thousands of grandparents and grandchildren. Her company, Grandtravel, incorporates education and fun into special vacations that serve to increase understanding and establish a loving bond between generations. Nominated by Elliot, a business associate, friend, and fan.

Kris, of Metamora, Ill., a junior-high math teacher, is retiring early so she can be a stay-at-home grandmother to her daughter's two sons, including Garrett, a 2-year-old with Down syndrome. Doctors are amazed at how advanced he is despite his condition, and the family credits Kris's love and attention for his progress. Nominated by her sister-in-law, Teresa.

Edna, of Weslaco, Tex., a grandmother of four, has for the past two years homeschooled her grandson, Jared, who has autism. Edna calls it a "labor of love" and says she hasn't regretted a moment. Jared couldn't be happier to have his grandmother by his side.

The challenges that Cindy, of Riverside, Calif., a grandmother of one, has faced raising her special-needs granddaughter, now 10, inspired Cindy to start a support group for grandparents raising grandchildren. She also has a full-time job assisting grandparents of children with special needs. Recently, Cindy returned to school to continue working toward a B.S. in sociology.

Lynda, of St. Louis, Mo., has been very involved in the education of her two grandchildren since the kids were in preschool. She has volunteered almost 500 hours to the YWCA helping in the classroom and has spent countless wonderful hours with the kids, including traveling with them outside the country to learn about other cultures. Nominated by Victoria, her granddaughter.

How does making 600 cookies in one week for your grandkids sound? Loine, a Hastings, Neb., grandmother has 18 grandchildren who are not complaining! This gourmet grandma takes cookie orders by text and she delivers love in every bite. Climbing up rows of bleachers at high school sporting events, watching three-hour dance recitals, even cheering at soccer games in the rain are all in a day's play for her. Nominated by Kayla, her granddaughter.

Paulette, of Funkstown, Md., a grandmother of one, takes care of her granddaughter while her daughter is deployed. She provides a warm, stable environment for the child. The two do homework together, visit the aquarium, go camping, and keep busy with everyday activities.

Tell who you think should win, or share your own extraordinary grandparent story! Go to the Group. The five winners of our Today's Extraordinary Grandparents will be announced on September 13 — Grandparents Day! See the official rules here.