OAK BROOK, Ill., Aug. 7 /CSRwire - PRNewswire/ - Today, Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) announced a multi-year partnership with the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) that includes ticket donations to select Ronald McDonald House Charities in the United States and volunteerism by members of the NATB family. As of August 1, 2009, NATB members across the country have donated over 2,000 tickets to their local RMHC Chapters.

"We are proud to be associated with the NATB, which has approximately 175 member ticket brokers in the United States," said Marty Coyne, president and CEO of RMHC. "RMHC and our local Chapters rely on the generous donations of our corporate partners and NATB is providing valuable contributions in terms of volunteers and entertainment for our families. Our families are going through difficult medical situations with their child, and NATB is giving them a chance to relax and take their mind off their worries - if only for a few moments. This partnership is a natural extension of our mission to support families - both financially and emotionally - during a very difficult time in their lives."

In August 2009, NATB will commence their partnership by launching their "32 for 32" program. This three year initiative will donate 32 tickets for every NFL preseason game in each of the 32 NFL markets. NATB members will also donate tickets for other sporting events, concerts and the performing arts. Additionally, NATB members will donate 32 hours of volunteerism in each of those 32 NFL markets. And this is just the beginning, as other initiatives will be announced in the coming months. NATB also hopes to establish a unique ticket donation and volunteer program that encourages its members to get involved with local Ronald McDonald Houses and RMHC events in their community.

"The NATB is proud to partner with such an incredible organization. Several of our members have worked with Houses on a local level by donating tickets and volunteering to cook a meal. Now, we get to take it National and give back in a big way," said Tom Patania, NATB President. "When we first brought this opportunity to our board, the vote was unanimous. Our membership is completely dedicated to helping these kids and their families in any way we can."

About the Ronald McDonald House Program:
The Ronald McDonald House program provides families with a "home away from home" while their children receive treatment in a nearby hospital or medical facility. Here, family members can sleep, eat, relax and find support from other families in similar situations. The House program allows families to stay together, which helps aid in the healing process. There are more than 287 Ronald McDonald Houses open in 30 countries and regions worldwide.

About RMHC
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 more than 52 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 hundreds of millions of dollars in grants and program services to children's programs around the world. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org.

About National Association of Ticket Brokers
The NATB was formed in 1994 by a group of concerned ticket brokers who desired to establish an industry-wide standard of conduct and to create ethical rules and procedures to protect the public and foster a positive perception of the industry. While the goals of the NATB are many, our primary goal is to represent the interests of legitimate ticket brokers by promoting consumer protection and educating the public about our industry. This is done by assuring the public that when dealing with an NATB member, they are working with an honest, reliable broker that will deliver what is promised. In addition, the NATB has created a platform that allows the public to report unethical conduct by ticket brokers.

About NATB Gives Back
NATB Gives Back was formed by the NATB Board of Directors with the mission of making a positive impact in the communities which support its member businesses. NATB Gives Back endeavors to do this by providing leadership, programs, and education to the NATB members and by forging partnerships with charitable and community organizations.

Additional information is available at http://www.natb.org

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities

More from Ronald McDonald House Charities