Ontario Hyundai dealers came together at Toronto’s El Mocambo on April 18 for a gala fundraiser in support of Hope on Wheels, raising funds for childhood cancer research.
The event, titled Whole Lotta Hope, featured a performance by Led Zeppelin tribute band Whole Lotta Love, which includes keyboardist Rein Knol, Chairman of Hyundai Canada’s Hope On Wheels program and Chairman of the Hyundai Canada National Dealer Council.
Rein Knol addresses the audience
Knol said Ontario dealers had been discussing ways to collectively raise more money during conference calls last year. Hope On Wheels has raised more than $4 million in Canada through the country’s 226 Hyundai dealers, many of whom have also held individual fundraisers.
This event alone raised $312,262.
Knol had already booked the El Mocambo for a performance, but said the idea evolved into a larger fundraiser, noting the venue’s ownership is supportive of charitable initiatives. He formed a committee that included Hass Hijazi of Finch Auto Group, Sami Gideon of Queensway Hyundai, Shannon Slaughter of Hyundai Pembroke, Benny Leung of Marsim Auto Group, and Dane Fellows of Brockville Hyundai. Additional support came from Hyundai Auto Canada and event specialists.
Benny Leung of Marsim Auto Group
The evening featured a range of activities, including a DJ, prize balloons, auction items, a 50-50 draw, food service, and live entertainment. Approximately 400 people attended.
“There’s a lot of pride to know that everybody would agree to band together like they did,” said Knol. “To show up and to spend the time and the money we did together in one night from all over Ontario is pretty amazing.”
Rein Knol at the keyboard
Knol, a former professional musician and dealer principal at Hyundai and Genesis Niagara, said the event had a personal dimension. “Tonight was very heartfelt because I know everyone,” he said. “It was very much like family. It feels like we’re celebrating together for something that means something to everyone.”
Hijazi said the cause resonates strongly across the dealer network, particularly given his own family’s experience with childhood cancer. “When Hyundai Hope On Wheels was introduced to Canada, I think it got right to the hearts of every Hyundai dealer in Ontario,” said Hijazi. “Not a single dealer questioned buying tickets or supporting the evening.”
He said the collaborative effort behind the event contributed to its success. “We had a lot of smart people working on it, so we knew it would come together well,” said Hijazi.
