A recent conversation on the Noon Show spotlighted a feel‑good mission that’s been quietly making a big impact for years. Blake and Ben Murdock stopped by to talk about Hyundai Hope On Wheels and how Utah Hyundai dealers are helping children and families facing pediatric cancer.
A Mission rooted in giving back
Hope On Wheels has been around for decades, and Blake Murdock explained its purpose with clarity and heart.
“Hyundai Hope On Wheels started back in 1998, and essentially for every new Hyundai sold throughout the country, a portion of those proceeds go to fighting pediatric cancer … through a great research program,” he said.
That long‑term commitment has added up to something remarkable. As Blake noted, “Over all of the years, over $300 million will have been donated towards that cause.”
It’s a national effort, but one that’s felt deeply at the local level.
Nationwide momentum with local impact
Ben Murdock emphasized how the program’s strength comes from collective action.
“As this has built and built over the years, and you do Hope On Wheels Month, and through different hospitals that receive these grants throughout, it’s been an amazing thing,” he said.
That momentum has reached Utah in meaningful ways. “Some of those donations have helped support our own hospital, Intermountain Primary Children’s, and also local families,” Ben said.
It’s a reminder that national programs can create very real change right here at home.
Supporting the KSL Give‑A‑Thon
The Murdocks also shared their excitement about participating in the annual KSL Give‑A‑Thon, which raises money for Primary Children’s Hospital. Blake explained the pride local dealers feel in being part of it.
“We take great pride as Hyundai dealers to be able to participate every year in the KSL Give‑A‑Thon,” Blake said.
And the results speak for themselves.
“Since its inception here in Salt Lake, the Salt Lake dealers have raised over $3 million for the Primary Children’s Hospital,” he said.
That’s the kind of community support that changes lives.
The meaning behind the handprints
If you’ve ever seen a Hope On Wheels vehicle, you’ve probably noticed the colorful handprints covering it. They’re more than decoration — they’re symbols of courage.
“It just stands for each individual child that’s gone through cancer,” Ben said, “and the research dollars that this has helped these children specifically.”
Each handprint represents a story, a struggle, and a hope for healing. As Ben put it, “It represents a story for every individual child.”
A community effort that matters
The conversation wrapped with gratitude for the Murdocks’ ongoing involvement in both the Give‑A‑Thon and the broader community. Their work — and the work of Hyundai dealers nationwide — continues to fuel research, support families, and bring hope to children fighting cancer.
It’s a reminder that when businesses and communities come together, the impact can be extraordinary.
This story was adapted from a TV broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL's editorial standards are upheld.
