HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS ANNOUNCES 5K RUN/WALK ON MAUI TO BENEFIT CHILDHOOD CANCER RESEARCH IN HAWAII AND $75,000 HYUNDAI SCHOLAR GRANT TO KAPI’OLANI MEDICAL CENTER FOR WOMEN CHILDREN
Maui, Hawaii, Dec. 10. 2012 – Hyundai Hope On Wheels today announced the 2013 Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run/Walk in Maui taking place on Saturday, January 5 at 7:00 a.m. at Whalers Village in Kanapaali, Maui, Hawaii. After its successful national 5K series during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, Hyundai looks forward to bringing its signature 5K event to Hawaii as the kick-off to its 2013 Hope On Wheels program. The event will raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research and programs serving children battling cancer in Hawaii.
“We are thrilled to bring our growing 5K series to Maui for the first time in conjunction with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions to benefit childhood cancer research in Hawaii,” said John Krafcik, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Through Hope On Wheels and our partnership with Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women Children, families on Oahu, Maui and across the entire state of Hawaii will have greater access to critical pediatric cancer resources.”
As part of the 5K, runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this family fun event by either registering for the run/walk or pledging to fundraise. Participants can register online at www.HyundaiRun4Hope.org for $35 until January 4. On-site registration will be available. Children 2-12 years of age can participate in the 5K for a discounted rate of $10, which also includes participation in the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Keiki Sprint just before the 5K begins. All participants will receive a race t-shirt and race bib, a commemorative medal, professional timing and access to the sponsors’ expo and the post-event celebration, where awards will be given to the top finishers.
“Our thanks go out to the Hyundai dealers, the company, and to Hyundai Hope On Wheels for their continued support of our institution,” said Martha Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women Children. “Community support like theirs is essential in helping us provide exceptional and comprehensive care to families across the state of Hawai‘i and the Pacific.”
“As part of this 5K event, Hope On Wheels will also award a $75,000 Hyundai Scholar Grant to Kapi‘olani Medical Center,” said Mickey Pong, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Hope On Wheels Board of Directors. “On behalf of all Hyundai dealers, we are proud to award our first grant of 2013, along with net proceeds raised at the 5K, to benefit a partnership between Maui Memorial Hospital, Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women Children and the Hawaii Cord Blood Bank to support cancer research in Hawaii.”
Supporters who wish to fundraise on behalf of the cause can make a fundraising pledge and become a part of Team Hope. Simply set up a pledge team and you’ll receive your very own fundraising page to jump start your donations. For more information about the Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run/Walk in Maui, including registration and pledge details, please visit www.HyundaiRun4Hope.org.
In addition to the 5K run/walk, Hyundai continues to be the presenting sponsor of the Tournament of Champions PGA TOUR golf tournament for the third year in a row. The Tournament begins on Friday, January 4 and ends on Monday, January 7, 2013 at The Plantation Course at the Kapalua Resort in Maui. The 2013 Hyundai Tournament of Champions is the season-opening event of the PGA TOUR, which features only winners of the 2012 PGA TOUR season. In honor of this special event, each adult 5K registration will come with 2 passes to the final round of the 2013 Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
The Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run/Walk in Maui is sponsored by The Sheraton Maui Resort Spa, Cliff Bar, Maui Printing Company, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Hawaii Hyundai Dealers. To become a sponsor or a volunteer, contact Aaron Bensoua at 310.552.4128.
For more information about Hyundai Hope On Wheels, please visit www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.