[EXCLUSIVE] Melanie Fiona Gives Children Hope During Her First Appearance as Hyundai Hope Ambassador

Melanie Fiona made her debut appearance as a Hyundai Hope On Wheels Celebrity Hope Ambassador during the 2015 national grant program announcement at the Jacob Javits Center last week.

"Hyundai actually reached out to us. I've done a lot of work with cancer, women's organization; I've lended my time and my talents to many different organizations. I guess they had known that I wanted to get further into philanthropy," Fiona told Singersroom on how her partnership with Hyundai started. "This particular program is for pediatric cancer, which is something I haven't done, but I'm very passionate about any research or support any awareness for cancer research. When they approached me and asked me to be the Ambassador of Hope, I was absolutely honored and definitely on board because it's for children… They are like the little lights of the world, and I feel like they deserve to have the awareness and the concern of as many people as possible. A child should never have to think about cancer or mortality or living or dying. They deserve that hope."

Fiona, who performed several songs during the heartfelt event, also received an award for her dedication and commitment to the great cause.

Popular TV host, Rosci Diaz, who was also tapped to be Hope Ambassador, also received an honorary award for her services. She also hosted the event.

As Ambassadors, Fiona and Diaz will get involved in multiple activities on various platforms to bring awareness to pediatric cancer, including meeting with pediatric cancer survivors in the New York City area.

Hyundai Hope On Wheels is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing life-saving research and innovative treatments for the disease. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 800 U.S. dealers. At the end of its 17th year, Hyundai Hope On Wheels will have awarded more than $100 million towards childhood cancer research in pursuit of a cure.

Stay tuned for performances and our interview with Melanie Fiona.

Gary Gentles

Founder and Creator of Singersroom.com and IncredibleWork.com. Follow me on Instagram at @gary.gentles.