Hyundai Hope on Wheels Marks 28th Anniversary, $303M in Giving

Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting childhood cancer, marked its 28th anniversary and $303 million in lifetime giving during its annual gala in Washington, D.C. The event, held in National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, honored the organization’s longstanding commitment to pediatric cancer research and care.

At the gala, Hyundai executives, dealers, members of Congress, researchers, physicians, and families gathered to celebrate the milestone. José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, highlighted the organization’s achievements, noting that Hyundai Hope on Wheels has saved over 40,000 children’s lives since its inception in 1998. Muñoz emphasized the commitment of Hyundai Motor America and its 855 U.S. dealers to this essential cause.

Expanding its global reach, Hyundai Hope on Wheels plans to launch in Sweden and Spain, following its recent growth in Canada, Mexico, Korea, and Australia. The organization is also advancing research in India through the Hyundai Cancer Genomics Center, which is expected to benefit over 25,000 people.

The gala also featured the inaugural O'Brien/Reilly Spirit of Hope Award, recognizing dealers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the organization’s mission. This award, named for the late co-founders Don Reilly and Tom O'Brien, honored dealers from across the country, including the Best Market of the Year and the inaugural National Dealer of the Year. Specific honorees included:

- West Region Dealer of the Year: Temecula Hyundai, Bob Nouri, Owner - Mountain States Region Dealer of the Year: Lee Johnson of Everett, Randy Jorgensen, Partner & General Manager - South Central Region Dealer of the Year: West Houston Hyundai, Matt Sheek, General Manager - Central Region Dealer of the Year: St. Charles Hyundai, Kevin Maher Jr., President - South Region Dealer of the Year: Hyundai of New Port Richey, Dave Frazier, General Manager - Mid-Atlantic Region Dealer of the Year: Preston Hyundai, Dave Wilson Sr., Chairman - East Region Dealer of the Year: Gary Rome Hyundai, Gary Rome, President - Best Market of the Year: Tampa | St. Petersburg, Florida - O'Brien/Reilly Spirit of Hope Award National Dealer of the Year: Alexandria Hyundai, Kevin Reilly, President

The gala included a Congressional Reception and signature Handprint Ceremonies at Children’s National and Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, where pediatric cancer patients left handprints on Hyundai vehicles as symbols of hope and unity.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels continues to work towards its goal of better treatments and brighter outcomes for children facing cancer. With a lifetime giving total of $303 million, the organization has funded over 1,600 research grants to more than 175 hospitals and research institutions across the country.