Hyundai Hope On Wheels launched its 2013 5K Run/Walk Series in Maui on Jan. 5 at Whalers Village in Kaanapali.
The event was held in conjunction with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, the PGA tour's season-opening event. With the support of more than 225 runners and walkers and Hyundai and its dealers, the event helped to raise awareness and an additional $8,625 for pediatric cancer research and program funds for Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children, serving all children battling cancer in Hawaii.
Prior to the 5K event, Hope On Wheels awarded a $75,000 Hyundai Scholar grant to Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children at the hospital in Honolulu on Jan. 3, bringing the combined total to $83,625. This latest contribution increases the total amount the hospital has received from Hope On Wheels to more than $350,000 since 2009.
Article Photos
Xander Munson of Wailuku participates in a Handprint Ceremony at the Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run/Walk on Jan. 5 at Whalers Village in Kaanapali. The ceremony honored local children and families battling cancer. He is shown with therapy dog Tucker Hirsch from Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children.
"Our first-ever 5K in Maui was a tremendous success and an important step in our ongoing partnership with Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children to help kids in Hawaii fight cancer," said Mickey Pong, vice chairman of Hyundai Hope On Wheels' board of directors. "On behalf of all Hyundai dealers, we thank the island of Maui for its support in our fight against pediatric cancer."
More than 300 participants and spectators gathered at Whalers Village for a 5K that took runners and walkers through a course that circled the Ka'anapali Beach Resort. After the run/walk, Hope On Wheels held its signature Handprint Ceremony to honor local children and families battling cancer. Net proceeds of the event will benefit a partnership between Maui Memorial Hospital, Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children and the Hawaii Cord Blood Bank.
For more information about the 2013 Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run/Walk Series, including upcoming events and registration, visit www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org.
