Hyundai Motor America and Finn Partners Win PR News' Nonprofit Award for Hyundai Hope On Wheels

Finn Partners launches award-winning monthlong program in its first year as AOR for Hyundai's national nonprofit

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Mar 23, 2012, 03:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, March 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America and Finn Partners, its program management and PR agency for its signature nonprofit organization Hyundai Hope On Wheels, were awarded PR News' Nonprofit PR Award in the Event PR category for their work during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

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"It's an honor to be recognized by PR News for Hyundai's commitment to building a healthier, greener future through our advanced vehicle technology and our commitment to the fight against pediatric cancer through our nonprofit Hope On Wheels," said Zafar Brooks, director of corporate social responsibility for Hyundai Motor America. "We are eager to continue our mission to find a cure for pediatric cancer."

In 2011, Hyundai Hope On Wheels donated a total of $20 million to pediatric cancer research, its largest donation year to date. As part of these efforts, during National Childhood Cancer Awareness month in September, Hyundai, its dealers and Finn Partners, executed 71 check presentation events (Handprint Ceremonies) donating a total of $7.1 million to pediatric cancer organizations in a single month.

Additionally, Hyundai Motor America, its dealers and Finn Partners coordinated the nonprofit's inaugural Hope On Wheels 5K Race & Walk and launched the first ever Hyundai Drive 4 Hope, a 4,600-mile coast-to-coast tour in a Hyundai Tucson FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) that included five influencer receptions designed to showcase Hyundai's commitment to advancing alternative technologies and demonstrate the environmental advantages and performance of the FCEV. Driving coast to coast, the FCEV also served as a colorful canvas, collecting handprints from children impacted by cancer.

"While there are always many challenges to executing a program this multi-faceted, they pale in comparison to what children touched by pediatric cancer face every day," said Peter Finn, founding partner of Finn Partners. "Knowing Hyundai is providing the grant funds these kids need to support their courageous battles with pediatric cancer is what makes this award and our work with Hyundai special."

About Finn Partners
Finn Partners builds on the outstanding legacy of Ruder Finn while shaping a bold new future in which innovation and partnership are strong drivers of the brand. Finn Partners specializes in the full spectrum of public relations services, including digital and social media. Our specialty areas include technology, consumer, travel/economic development, global issues, arts and public and corporate affairs. Headquartered in New York City, the company has regional operations in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and Jerusalem, and leverages international capabilities via Ruder Finn's global network of offices and affiliates. Find us at www.finnpartners.com and follow us on Twitter @finnpartners.

About Hyundai Hope On Wheels
Hyundai Hope On Wheels® is the united effort of Hyundai Motor America and its more than 800 dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to celebrate the lives of children battling the disease. For 2012, Hyundai Hope On Wheels plans to surpass $57 million in total donations to childhood cancer research since the program began in 1998. Hyundai Hope On Wheels is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

SOURCE Finn Partners