Alonzo Mourning Captains First-Ever McDonald's All American(R) Advisory Council With Assists From Danny Ferry and Greg Oden

OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Alonzo Mourning, the Miami Heat center who was named McDonald's All American(R) High School Basketball Games Alumni Ambassador in 2007, today announced his next steps in the McDonald's All American Games Alumni legacy with the development of a "Three Point Mission" for the McDonald's All American Advisory Council.

"It's important for alumni of the McDonald's All American Games to take an active role in the program that helped so many of us jump-start our basketball careers," Mourning said. "It is up to the veterans to lead the way for the basketball stars of tomorrow who will be filling our shoes and giving back to communities across the country."

Mourning sought the help of former McDonald's All American players, including Danny Ferry and Greg Oden, to continue shaping the future of the Games while inspiring the top players of tomorrow to champion causes like Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(C)).

    To do so, Mourning drafted the Council's "Three Point Mission":

    1.  Connect future basketball stars with veteran leaders who can play a
        positive role in their development as athletes
    2.  Help athletes create a greater charitable legacy in their community
        through involvement with children's charities
    3.  Honor the nation's best high school all star event by showcasing some
        of the greatest names from its past

As Advisory Council Captain, Mourning looked to Naismith award winner and current GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Danny Ferry to further this commitment of giving back. Following a 17-point performance in the 1985 McDonald's All American Game, Ferry went on to a stellar collegiate career at Duke University, a 13-year playing career in the NBA, leading to his current GM role with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"I'm honored to join Alonzo Mourning and Greg Oden on the Advisory Council," said Danny Ferry, Cleveland Cavalier's General Manager. "I look forward to watching the young basketball stars and sharing with them the highlights of my career both on and off the court."

Off the court, Ferry has partnered with the Cavaliers and Rent-A-Center to donate time and money to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland. In addition, he is involved with Peace Players International, a non-profit organization that uses the game of basketball to unite and educate children and their communities.

Members of the new McDonald's All American Advisory Council will take part in the McDonald's All American Game festivities in March to raise awareness and funds for children's charities such as RMHC. Proceeds from the 2008 Boys and Girls Games will benefit RMHC of Eastern Wisconsin. To date, millions of dollars have been donated to RMHC Chapters from proceeds generated at the McDonald's All American Games.

The McDonald's All American Games will tip-off in Milwaukee, Wis. at the Bradley Center on March 26, 2008. The seventh-annual Girls Game will begin at 7:00 p.m. EST and will broadcast live on ESPNU. The 31st Boys Game will follow the Girls Game at 9:30 p.m. EST and will air live on ESPN.

Tickets to the Games and POWERade(R) Jam Fest are available through Ticketmaster and by phone, (866) 909-GAME.

Visit the McDonald's All American Games Web site for more information and stay tuned for exciting new updates: http://www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com.

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 nearly 51 countries and regions through its three core programs: the 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 http://www.rmhc.org.

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information about McDonald's visit http://www.mcdonalds.com.

    (C)2008 McDonald's

     Media Contacts:
     Tara Hayes, McDonald's
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     tara.hayes@us.mcd.com

     Emily Fullmer, GolinHarris
     (312) 729-4235
     efullmer@golinharris.com