Hyundai Hope on Wheels Marks 28 Years and $303 Million in Lifetime Giving at Annual Gala

• Hyundai Hope on Wheels marks 28 years of impact with $303 million in lifetime giving
• Washington, D.C. events included handprint ceremonies and congressional reception
• Hyundai Hope on Wheels expands its global reach with planned launch in Sweden, followed by Spain and other countries
• Inaugural O'Brien/Reilly Spirit of Hope Award honors exceptional dealer leadership in the fight against pediatric cancer

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Hope on Wheels®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its over 855 U.S. dealers, commemorated 28 years of progress in the fight against childhood cancer during its annual gala in Washington, D.C. The event brought together Hyundai executives, dealers, members of Congress, researchers, physicians, childhood cancer survivors, and families to celebrate a lifetime giving milestone of $303 million in support of pediatric cancer research and care.

Held during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the gala highlighted the organization's continued commitment to funding innovative research, advancing treatments, and supporting children and families throughout their cancer journey.

"Hyundai Hope on Wheels embodies the core of our mission of Progress for Humanity. This year, the organization surpassed $303 million in lifetime giving, highlighting the commitment of Hyundai Motor America and its more than 855 dealer partners to this essential effort," said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. "Over the past 28 years, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has helped save the lives of over 40,000 children. We remain committed to being a source of hope for children and families in their toughest hour and funding life-saving cancer research."

Global Expansion Extends Hope Worldwide

Hyundai Hope on Wheels continues to expand its global impact. Following recent growth in Canada, Mexico, Korea, and Australia, the organization announced plans to launch in Europe, beginning with Sweden and followed by Spain and additional countries in the coming years. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is also advancing pediatric cancer research in India through the Hyundai Cancer Genomics Center, which is expected to benefit more than 25,000 people. 

Inaugural O'Brien/Reilly Spirit of Hope Award

The gala also featured the presentation of the inaugural O'Brien/Reilly Spirit of Hope Award, a new honor recognizing extraordinary dealer commitment to Hyundai Hope on Wheels' mission. Named for co-founders Don Reilly and the late Tom O'Brien, the award celebrates dealers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, community engagement, and dedication to raising awareness and support for childhood cancer research.

In addition to the top honor, Hyundai and Hyundai Hope on Wheels recognized dealer partners from across the country whose efforts continue to expand the organization's impact in local communities. A total of nine honorees were recognized, including one winner from each of Hyundai Motor America's seven regions, Best Market of the Year, and the inaugural O'Brien/Reilly Spirit of Hope Award National Dealer of the Year.

2026 Spirit of Hope Award Honorees

• 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 strength of Hyundai Hope on Wheels comes from the people behind it, especially our dealers, researchers, advocates, and patient families who have championed this mission for 28 years," said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. "Together, we have reached $303 million in lifetime giving, but our work continues until every child facing cancer has access to better treatments and brighter outcomes. The inaugural Spirit of Hope Awards recognize those whose dedication has made that progress possible and brought hope to children and families facing childhood cancer."

Washington, D.C. Events Highlight Continued Advocacy

The annual gala capped a week of events in the nation's capital focused on advancing awareness, advocacy, and research funding for pediatric cancer.

Highlights included:

• A Congressional Reception bringing together lawmakers, medical leaders, researchers, advocates, and Hyundai Hope on Wheels supporters.
• Hyundai Hope on Wheels' signature Handprint Ceremonies at Children's National and Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, where pediatric cancer patients placed colorful handprints on Hyundai vehicles as symbols of hope and unity in the fight against childhood cancer.

The full list of 2026 grant recipients will be announced later this month.

To learn more about Hyundai Hope on Wheels, please visit hyundaihopeonwheels.org.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Hyundai Hope on Wheels® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope on Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 855 U.S. dealers. In 2026, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will reach a lifetime donation total of $303 million in support of more than 1,600 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions.

 

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SOURCE Hyundai Hope On Wheels