Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) and McDonald's(R) Seek Inspiring Stories Through New 'Share.Give.Hope....( OAK BROOK Ill. July 2 /- Thirty-five ...),Health

OAK BROOK, Ill., July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirty-five years ago, the first Ronald McDonald House(R) opened its doors in Philadelphia to provide a "home away from home" for families with seriously ill children. Today, McDonald's(R) and Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) kick-off an anniversary celebration to commemorate this important milestone and their long-standing commitment to helping children and families in need worldwide.

"For 35 years, local McDonald's franchisees have come together to support families in need," said William Whitman, Jr., vice president, U.S. Communications, McDonald's USA. "McDonald's and our franchisees are proud of our long-standing relationship with RMHC and look forward to continuing our legacy of giving back to the communities that we serve."

Share Your Story Online

Beginning today, RMHC and McDonald's are inviting people to share their stories of how RMHC has touched their lives, the life of someone they know, or their personal stories of inspiration through a dedicated campaign page at www.rmhc.org/stories. Visitors can share and read personal accounts of hope and inspiration; post comments to stories listed on the site; and become part of a network of individuals who've been through similar experiences.

The anniversary celebration will culminate in November during McHappy Day(R), McDonald's largest annual fundraiser for the Charity. RMHC and McDonald's will feature one of the stories submitted online in a national print advertising campaign for RMHC, inspiring others to help support children and families around the world.

"It's amazing to think that what started as one house in Philadelphia has grown into a worldwide organization of nearly 300 Houses that families count on when their children are seriously ill," said Marty Coyne, president and CEO, Ronald McDonald Hou
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