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FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America and its network of franchise dealers in the United States recently rolled out a new initiative to raise funds to fight childhood cancer.

The automaker declared dealers have pledged to donate a total of $3 million to Hyundai Hope on Wheels based on vehicles sold during the month of September, which happens to be National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Company management emphasized that the pledge will be matched by a $3 million contribution from Hyundai Motor America so the total contribution will be a minimum of $6 million.

Proceeds from the fundraiser are geared for children's hospitals and other nonprofit organizations across the country to be given in the form of Hyundai Hope Grants. Executives believe these Hope Grants will fund childhood cancer research projects as well as survivorship programs and other resources designed to improve quality of life for children with cancer.

By the end of the year through this new initiative and existing fundraising programs, the automaker contends that Hyundai Hope on Wheels will have awarded more than $22 million to support the fight against childhood cancer since it became involved with this cause more than a decade ago.

"As we've met numerous children, families, doctors and support teams that help kids fight cancer over the years, we've become more and more aware of how many different resources are needed to assist kids and families through cancer — from diagnosis through treatment and beyond," explained Mike Kelly, dealer board member for the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Foundation and owner of Mike Kelly Hyundai in Butler, Pa.

"Cutting-edge medical research and educational, psychological and emotional support services are all crucial parts of cancer treatment for children and families, and Hyundai's new September initiative will support the people and organizations that are working directly with children and families fighting cancer," Kelly continued.

During September, the manufacturer indicated that Hope on Wheels officials will visit about 60 organizations throughout the country. They plan to distribute Hyundai Hope Grants in an amount of $100,000 each with the intention of underwriting direct research projects and supporting meaningful initiatives undertaken by doctors, nurses, social workers, child life specialists and other professionals who work with children with cancer.

"Hyundai and its dealers have been committed to fighting childhood cancer since 1998. After visiting children's hospitals across the country and meeting thousands of extraordinary children affected by childhood cancer, we wanted to share their stories with our communities and customers," stressed John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America.

"This September, our goal is to raise more awareness of this issue than we ever have before to support the fight against this dreaded disease with the hope of seeing more children go on to live long, happy lives, free of cancer," Krafcik added.

For more information on Hyundai Hope on Wheels, visit www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org.