Matthew Morrison Performed During the Global Awards Ceremony Recognizing Those Who Have Made Extraordinary Contributions to Improving Children's Lives
OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwire - Oct 29, 2012) - In honor of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improve the health and wellbeing of children, Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) hosted its 28th Annual Awards of Excellence celebration on Saturday, October 27, in Rosemont, Ill.
The annual event presented three Awards of Excellence to individuals selected from across the globe. A grant of $100,000 was awarded in honor of the recipients to nonprofit organizations selected by the awardees. The 2012 RMHC Awards of Excellence award winners are:
McDonald's in Latin America leads the world in the implementation of McHappy Day®, McDonald's global fundraiser for RMHC. Last year alone, McHappy Day raised nearly 15 million dollars for RMHC. "We are thrilled to recognize these extraordinary individuals for their ongoing contributions to children," said Marty Coyne, president and CEO of RMHC. "Like RMHC, these award recipients are dedicated to being part of the solution in providing access to care for children so they can lead fulfilling and productive lives."
In addition to honoring these outstanding individuals, the 2012 Awards of Excellence celebration included a dinner, entertainment by Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe Awards nominated artist Matthew Morrison from Glee. A live and silent auction also took place throughout the evening. The event raised $3.2 million to help RMHC provide stability and vital resources to families in need.
Past RMHC Awards of Excellence Recipients
Past RMHC Awards of Excellence Recipients have included: former Mayor Richard M. Daley and Maggie Daley (2011); founder of Southwest Airlines, Herbert D. Kelleher (2010); seven-time NBA All-Star, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities, Alonzo Mourning (2009); entrepreneurs and philanthropists, Peter and Ginny Ueberroth (2008); actress, producer, social activist and national outreach director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Marlo Thomas (2007); NCAA championship basketball coach and youth mentor, John Wooden (2006); the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps with actor Paul Newman accepting on their behalf (2005); actor, director and humanitarian, Danny Glover (2004); renowned pediatric surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Carson (2003); Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan (2002); tennis star Andrea Jaeger (2001); performer and humanitarian, Harry Belafonte (2000); wife of McDonald's Corporation founder Ray A. Kroc, the late Joan Kroc (1999); Betty Ford, former First Lady (1998); Retired U.S. Army General, Colin Powell (1997); acclaimed theologian, Henri J. M. Nouwen (1996); former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Antonia Novello (1995); Barbara Bush, former First Lady (1994); the late Fred Rogers (1993); Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1992); former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter (1991); and the late Jim Henson (1990), among others.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 57 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHC) or like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).
For more information on RMHC:
www.rmhc.org
The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
Contact Information:
For more information, press only:
Clara Carrier
630.623.6573