Representatives from the Blues and St. Louis area Kia dealerships presented a 2012 Kia Sorento to the staff at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Specialty Hospital on Friday morning.

Ranken Jordan was selected to receive the vehicle based on getting thousands of votes from Blues fans during last spring’s Kia Ultimate Charity Assist promotion on stlouisblues.com. For several months, fans voted online to determine whether Ranken Jordan, Our Little Haven or Five Acres Animal Shelter would win the Sorento.

“Today is a great day at Ranken Jordan,” said Lauri Tanner, the hospital’s President and CEO. “That we were worthy and our kids were worthy of such a great honor is tremendous for all of us here. We definitely want to thank the St. Louis Blues fans and all of the fans of Ranken Jordan as well who helped pull this together for us.”

The car will be used to transport children at the hospital to their off-site clinical visits, to events around the community, and even to Blues games at Scottrade Center.

Tanner accepted the keys to the Sorento from Blues President John Davidson, Kia District Sales Manager Tom Taylor and Blues mascot, Louie.

“This is a beautiful vehicle, and this is something that is going to be beneficial and helpful to this whole facility,” Davidson said. “The Blues fans voted on it and it was an outstanding decision. When you have a facility like this that helps the children who need it most, that’s what it’s all about. It’s just a really good day.”

Added Taylor, “It feels good that you know it’s going to people that really need it. A lot of times, when you give a car to an individual, it’s the luck of the draw. Some people need one, some don’t. But these folks really needed our help, so by far, this is tops.”

Ranken Jordan specializes in bridging the gap between a traditional hospital and going home. Nearly all of their patients have had their lives saved in traditional hospitals but have moved to Ranken Jordan to improve. A big part of their care also involves helping families cope with injuries or illnesses to their children.

The Blues 14 Fund has played an important role in supporting Ranken Jordan in the past. A grant helped build a “Blues Zone” at the hospital that features activities to help patients rebuild their cognitive development. The Fund also donates tickets to the hospital for patients to attend games if possible.

“When you have an opportunity to help children, we can all do our part. We feel very strong about that and we will continue to do it in the future,” Davidson said. “For the Blues, we’re just doing our part and we couldn’t be happier to be here.

“If everybody in all forms of business can give back somehow, whether it’s in a small way or a big way, it’s helpful. Obviously, Kia is very passionate about this. For Blues fans to vote for a facility like this, that’s just outstanding. Well done, Blues fans and well done, Kia.”