BOSTON – At the annual Run Walk Ride Fundraising Conference Hyundai Motor America was recognized for “Best Sponsorship Activation” for their work with the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk.

Since 2002, Hyundai Motor America has served as the presenting sponsor for the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk. In the event’s 22-year history, Walk participants, companies and individuals have contributed more than $73 million in support of cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and more than 100 Hyundai employees have participated in the Walk, raising a collective $1.94 million. Last year, more than 8,500 participants walked all or part of the 26 mile Boston Marathon® route in September.

Hyundai Motor America and its dealers joined the fight against pediatric cancer in 1998, and today make a donation from every new Hyundai car sold in the U.S. to their non-profit foundation, Hyundai Hope on Wheels®, which was established in 2007. In turn, Hope on Wheels awards pediatric cancer research grants to institutions across the country. Says John Krafcik, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor America, “we are committed to helping find a cure for cancer, and are proud of our long standing partnership with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.”

The Hope on Wheels vehicle, a white Santa Fe, serves as the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk pace car, leading the way from the Walk’s three-mile start to the finish line at Copley Square. The car is adorned with the hand prints of pediatric patients from around the country, most recently applied by Dana-Farber pediatric patients.

“The Walk is a wonderful thing for the Boston community, and indeed, for pediatric and adult cancer care and research, as it serves as an inspiration to all on the possibilities of eliminating this disease. We are especially proud of the steadfast commitment of our New England area dealers to Hope on Wheels from its very inception,” concludes Krafcik.

In addition to their foundation, Hyundai supports the Walk by providing space at their dealerships for participant t-shirt pick-up prior to the event. On Walk day, Hyundai provides each walker with mile-marker stickers that recognize their miles, provides massages at the finish line and has a strong brand presence with car displays and signage along the route.

The Jimmy Fund supports Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helping to raise funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research and improve the chances of survival for cancer patients around the world. It is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, as well as the official charity of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, and the Variety Children’s Charity of New England. Since 1948, the generosity of millions of people has helped the Jimmy Fund (www.jimmyfund.org) save countless lives and reduce the burden of cancer.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program which now includes the 5-year/60,000 mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and 5-year complimentary Roadside Assistance in addition to the highly acclaimed vehicle return policy introduced in early 2009. For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels® is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization and is a unified effort by Hyundai Motor America and its US dealers. Since 1998, the organization has awarded over $23 million in grants to institutions for pediatric cancer research. Please go to www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org to learn more about the program.

The Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council supports the thousands of professional who manage athletic event fundraising programs that engage millions of people to raise billions for good causes. Their conference and workshops, teleconferences and online services provide access to practical information on producing more successful programs, valuable contacts and recognition for outstanding work.