Key Hyundai Sponsors Connecticut Runners in 200 Mile Ragnar Relay New England May 20-21, 2011

April 14, 2011 - PRLog -- A team of 12 local runners from Southeastern Connecticut are racing for a cure to pediatric cancer, uniting to run the Ragnar Relay: 200 miles from New Haven to Boston on May 20-21st, 2011. Team Hope On Wheels is raising funds for pediatric cancer research, and hopes to create momentum and aspire others to contribute to finding a cure.

Key Hyundai sponsors Connecticut Runners Raising Money for Pediatric Cancer Research

Runners from Southeastern Connecticut are competing in the overnight Ragnar Relay, while raising funds to end childhood cancer. Runner Jeff Merriam, co-owner of Key Hyundai Milford and Manchester (http://www.keycars.com/), immediately stepped forward with sponsorship, as Hyundai has long been supporting the fight against childhood cancer.

“Hyundai’s Hope On Wheels™ is the perfect sponsor for us,” said Jeff Merriam, co-owner of Key Hyundai Milford and Manchester. “Hyundai has long supported pediatric cancer research so we jumped at the opportunity to sponsor. I love to run. The Key Hyundai sponsorship is a perfect connection.”

Team Hope On Wheels™ selling handprint magnets to raise funds & awareness

Key Hyundai will provide two vehicles to transport the athletes not running during the 200-mile overnight race from New Haven to Boston (often called the Yale to Harvard race), as well as pay all fees associated with the race. Merriam hopes to raise additional funds with a grassroots effort selling Hope On Wheels™ magnets to family, friends, and neighbors in community effort to support the team and the cause.

“I can see the van traveling alongside the runners, covered with handprints supporting runners as they run for a cure. Hope On Wheels, is symbolic for us, but quite literal for the kids and families affected,” said Merriam from his favorite running store, soundRunner in Old Saybrook.

Magnets Available in Old Saybrook Saturday April 30 & Saturday May 7

The team will be selling magnets in Old Saybrook Saturday April 30 and Saturday May 7. With a $5.00 donation, you can support Team Hope On Wheels and their race to cure pediatric cancer. Stop by and say hello and ask the runners any questions about the overnight Ragnar Relay or their quest to raise $2500 for childhood cancer research. In addition, soundRunner in Old Saybrook has generously agreed to sell Team Hope On Wheels handprint magnets.

Key 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.

Ragnar Relay New England’s Team Hope On Wheels

Team Hope On Wheels consists of Connecticut runners Jeff Merriam (Haddam), Maura Richards (Old Saybrook), Emily Merriam (Old Saybrook), Rob 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) are committed to raising $2500 and awareness by having Hyundai Hope On Wheels vans covered in visible support.

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

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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, fuel-efficient Hyundai.