"We are pleased to recognize these remarkable individuals for their on-going contributions to children," said Marty Coyne, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. "This commitment to improving the health and well-being of children embodies our long-standing mission at RMHC."

An Evening of Celebration

Marlo Thomas and Dr. Mark W. Kline were each awarded a $100,000 grant to donate to a charity of their choice; and McDonald's owner/operators Wayne and Dorothy Stingley received a $50,000 grant for their favorite children's charity.

In addition to honoring the four outstanding individuals, the 2007 Awards of Excellence celebration included a dinner, lively entertainment by actor and comedian Bernie Mac and an Auction that took place throughout the evening, where attendees had the opportunity to bid on elite prizes including a 2008 Volvo S80, tickets to the 2008 Superbowl in Phoenix, Ariz. and numerous First-Class tickets to Hawaii, Europe, South America, Australia.

Past RMHC Awards of Excellence Recipients

Past RMHC Awards of Excellence Recipients have included: 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); Dr. Benjamin Carson, renowned pediatric surgeon (2003); Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan (2002); tennis star Andrea Jaeger (2001); performer and humanitarian Harry Belafonte (2000); the late Joan Kroc, wife of McDonald's Corporation founder Ray A. Kroc (1999); former First Lady Betty Ford (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); former First Lady Barbara Bush (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 RMHC(R)

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.