Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities’ (ARMHC) 5th annual Hearts and Hands Gala will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Georgia Aquarium. The event, which will be hosted by WSB-TV’s David Chandley, will feature live and silent auctions and a performance by triple-threat Broadway star Megan Hilty.

The Coca-Cola Company is the event’s presenting sponsor with Javier Goizueta, Vice President of The Coca-Cola Company and President of the McDonald’s Division Worldwide, serving as Event Chair and Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, as Honorary Chair.

“The ARMHC Hearts and Hands Gala has grown to be one of the premiere events in Atlanta, and is crucial in raising annual operating funds for this great charity,” said Javier Goizueta. “We at The Coca-Cola Company are proud to be actively involved in the over 300 global Ronald McDonald Houses through ongoing support, sponsorship and volunteerism. As the need provided by the two Houses here in Atlanta continues to grow each year, we know that every bit of help we give will truly make a difference with the children and families they serve, and in our local communities.”

"Hundreds of unique stories of hope and healing come through our Ronald McDonald Houses each year and the proceeds from this annual event are critical in providing a home-away-from-home for these hurting families," said Jeff T. Wansley, Chairman of the of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Board of Directors.

A special tribute to honor the life and legacy of Linda Morris, ARMHC’s President and CEO, will be presented at this year’s Hearts and Hands Gala. Linda passed away in April due to complications from breast cancer.

Atlanta’s two Ronald McDonald Houses will provide temporary housing and support service to nearly 2,000 families of ill and injured children this year. The two Atlanta Houses have provided a home away from home to more than 42,000 families of ill and injured children since the first Atlanta House opened in 1979.

About Megan Hilty
Megan Hilty starred as the seasoned triple-threat Ivy Lynn in NBC’s musical drama “Smash.” She was recently signed to Sony Music in a partnership between Sony Masterworks and Columbia Records and her new album, “It Happens All The Time,” was released in March. It includes fresh interpretations of compositions by contemporary songwriters and producers.

Hilty was previously seen as Lorelei Lee, the diamond-loving blonde made famous by Carol Channing, in the Encores! production of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” to which she earned rave reviews. Additionally, her voice was featured as Rosetta in Disney's “Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings.” She’s previously recorded vocals in Disney's "The Secret Life of Magic Gourd," "Phineas & Ferb," "Glenn Martin DDS," "American Dad," “Tinker Bell and the Pixie Hollow Games,” “Robot & Monster” as well as singing as Snow White in the film "Shrek the Third." Hilty recently wrapped production on Summertime Entertainment's animated film "Dorothy of Oz" with Kelsey Grammer, Hugh Dancy and Lea Michele, slated for release in 2013. She can also be heard alongside Placido Domingo on the opera star’s duet album.

A native of Seattle, Hilty moved to New York City after graduating from the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University, and quickly made her Broadway debut as Glinda in “Wicked.” She went on to perform the role in both the national tour and in Los Angeles.

Upcoming she will be starring opposite Sean Hayes on NBC's new half hour sitcom called "Sean Saves the World.”

About David Chandley
David Chandley, AMS certified meteorologist, appears on Channel 2 Action News at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is involved in team coverage whenever severe weather breaks. He joined the Action News team in November 1988.

A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in broadcast journalism, he also completed the broadcast meteorology program at Mississippi State University. David holds the CBM (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) designation from the American Meteorological Society. This is the highest mark of distinction and recognition available in broadcast meteorology.

David's broadcast career has been all over Georgia, with stops in Albany, Macon and Columbus. He has been honored with numerous awards, including five Southeast Emmy Awards and 16 nominations. David has also received the Associated Press Best Weather Reporting Award 12 times, most recently in 2012.

About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, our Company's portfolio features 16 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of more than 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo or check out our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com.

About Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities
Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc. (ARMHC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of children by providing temporary housing and support services to families of ill and injured children being treated at local children’s hospitals.

At the Ronald McDonald House, families can enjoy many of the comforts of home, receive nutritious meals prepared and served by volunteers and obtain emotional support through contact with other families experiencing similar situations. No family is turned away if they cannot afford the small $20 requested contribution and many of these families stay at the Ronald McDonald House for weeks, and sometimes months, while their children receive medical treatment. For more information, visit ARMHC at www.armhc.org.

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

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