NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne signs a check for a $500,000 donation to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte with the Charity™s board members during a celebration in Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday, October 15, 2007. (HO/AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - October 15, 2007 - Today, Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver and founder of the Kasey Kahne Foundation donated $500,000 to the Ronald McDonald House(R) of Charlotte to support the construction of a new Ronald McDonald House(R) in Charlotte.

"We are thrilled to partner with Kasey Kahne on this important initiative to support critically ill children in the Charlotte area," said Joanne Charnetski, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. "The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte relies heavily on the generous support of individuals like Kasey Kahne and his foundation, as well as our dedicated volunteers."

The new facility will serve as a "home away from home" for the families of children who are receiving care at two state-of-the-art children's medical facilities - Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital and Levine Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC).

"I am honored to make a contribution to this great cause," said Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver and long-time RMHC supporter. "Through my own experiences, I have seen first hand the impact we can all have on children who are in need. I encourage all of my fans, as well as the NASCAR and Charlotte community to join me and get involved in this important project."

Upon completion of the new Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, there will be a Ronald McDonald House located in every major city across the United States. The Ronald McDonald House program has provided a "home-away-from-home" for millions of families of children being treated at nearby hospitals since its inception in 1974. There are 270 Ronald McDonald Houses open in 30 countries worldwide.

"We are very excited to expand our Ronald McDonald House program into the Charlotte area," said Marty Coyne, President and CEO of RMHC. "This is just another example of our ongoing commitment to help improve the lives of children around the world."

About Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte

In 2009, Charlotte will open the doors of its first Ronald McDonald House. The new facility will serve as a "home away from home" for the families of children who are receiving care at the nearby Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital and Levine Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC). Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will feature approximately 40,000 square feet of living space complete with 20 to 30 bedrooms, providing more than 10,000 nights of stay each year for families in need. For more information on The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte visit www.rmhofcharlotte.org.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most - right in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its global network of local Chapters in nearly 50 countries and regions and its three core programs: Ronald McDonald House(R), Ronald McDonald Family Room(R) and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile(R). RMHC and its global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $460 million in grants and program services to children's programs around the world. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org.

About Kasey Kahne Foundation

The Kasey Kahne Foundation (KKF) was formed in 2005 with a primary mission to help and support chronically ill children and their families. KKF is also focused on diversity awareness and providing opportunities for underprivileged children. In doing so, KKF brings racing fans together for a common purpose to raise funds for distribution to a variety of designated charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charities. In addition, Kasey is a member of the President's Council for service and civic participation, serving under President Bush. Visit www.kaseykahnefoundation.com for more information.

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