SEATTLE — KING 5 and Hyundai received more than 200 nominations for the 2025 Hyundai Hometown Hero award. Each year, the program recognizes those making positive impacts in the community.
“I think what’s really important to notice is that there’s excellence everywhere around us,” said Jim Koch, Western Washington Hyundai Dealers. “And I think when we recognize that and celebrate that, it just makes all of us better.”
This year’s winner is D.D. Ponder who dedicates her life to rescuing stray animals, predominantly dogs, through her organization, Wiggle Butts Rescue and Recovery.
“When dogs get lost or get dumped, which unfortunately is happening a lot, they’re not able to be caught because they’ve gone into flight mode or survival mode,” D.D. said. “They basically run when you look at them.”
D.D., who has been rescuing animals for about 10 years, works to trap or hand recover them by gaining trust or luring them with food. She is often in her car for long periods of time in remote areas without cell service.
As this year’s Hometown Hero, she will now be driving a new 2025 Santa Fe Calligraphy to help her with her rescue work.
“It is long enough to hold equipment and traps, and the gas mileage is much, much better,” D.D. said.
In addition to being better for the animals, D.D.’s mom, who had trouble getting into her older truck, will have an easier time getting into the Santa Fe.
“My heart is pounding,” D.D. said. “I really, really can’t believe this. The outpour of support from everybody, that in itself made me a winner.”
Koch says the Santa Fe is obviously a “puppy-carrying machine,” perfect for D.D.’s rescue efforts.
“I think you’ll find this to be an amazing vehicle,” he said. “It’ll serve you for years to come. We’re so enamored and amazed by what you do.”
D.D. says she appreciates the loyalty of dogs and their eventual gratefulness after being rescued.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart from me and all the dogs and animals that I’m going to be helping,” she said.
Learn more about D.D.’s new car, the 2025 Santa Fe, on the Hyundai website.
Sponsored by Hyundai
Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.