CT Businesses Support Local Runners Quest to Raise Money for Hyundai Hope On Wheels

April 28, 2011 - PRLog -- A team of 12 Southeastern Connecticut runners are racing 200 miles for pediatric cancer research, competing in Ragnar Relay New England: New Haven to Boston May 20-21st, 2011. Aptly named Team Hope On Wheels™, these runners hope to raise $2500 for pediatric cancer research, create momentum, and inspire others to contribute to finding a cure. With the assistance of several local businesses, they are doing just that.

Connecticut Business Supports Local Runners Racing for Pediatric Cancer Research

Team member Jeff Merriam, co-owner of Key Hyundai (http://www.keyhyundaihartford.com/), is sponsoring the team, supplying vehicles to transport the athletes as well as paying all race fees. In addition, Key Hyundai produced car magnets to sell to family, friends, and the community, with local businesses pledging support.

Team Hope On Wheels Magnets available at Key Hyundai Milford & Manchester, De'Mar Hair Studio, and all soundRunner locations

The car magnets, with colorful children's handprints, are a visible symbol of support for not only the runners, but for the children the runners hope to help. With a $5.00 donation, a supporter can keep the magnet for their own vehicle, or sign it and have it accompany the runners on their journey.

Team Hope On Wheels magnets are available at all three soundRunner (http://www.soundrunner.net/) locations (Old Saybrook, Branford, and Madison), De'Mar Hair Studio in Old Saybrook, and Key Hyundai of Milford and Key Hyundai of Manchester. With a $5.00 donation, anyone can support Team Hope On Wheels and their race to a cure for pediatric cancer.

Hyundai Hope On Wheels™

What began in 1998 as a local initiative supported by New England-area Hyundai dealers to raise funds for the Jimmy Fund at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has evolved into Hyundai Hope on Wheels, an independent, nonprofit organization now supported nationwide by Hyundai’s 800+ dealers and Hyundai Motor America. Since its inception, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has donated more than $23 million to children’s hospitals across the country to help kids fight cancer. Key Hyundai is a proud participant with the charity, bringing the Hope On Wheels tour to Connecticut on several occasions.

Ragnar Relay New England’s Team Hope On Wheels

Team Hope On Wheels consists of Connecticut runners Jeff & Emily Merriam (Haddam), Rob & Maura Richards (Old Saybrook), Dana Root (Old Saybrook), Jeff Vernon (Essex), Kati Papoosha (Deep River), Joseph Fay (Deep River), Julie Steevels (Chester), Rich Gallagher (Clinton), Greg McGinn (Old Saybrook) and Abby Detour (Ivoryton). The team is committed to raising $2500 as well as awareness for pediatric cancer research by having Hyundai Hope On Wheels vans covered in visible support.

About Ragnar Relay: For more information about the Ragnar Relay New England, please visit http://www.ragnarrelay.com.

About Hyundai Hope On Wheels™: Please visit http://www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org/ for more information about Hyundai’s nationwide efforts to end childhood cancer.

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About Key Hyundai: Key Hyundai (http://www.keycars.com/) Connecticut’s largest Hyundai dealership consists of Key Hyundai Manchester and Key Hyundai Milford. Family owned and operated by Jeff Merriam and his sister Jill Merriam, Key Hyundai is revamping the car business with an authentic, personal, fully transparent approach to selling and financing the award-winning Hyundai. Jeff and his wife Emily Viator Merriam, will be running the 200 mile Ragnar Relay May 20-21, 2011.