Ronald McDonald House Charities®
2014 Awards
of Excellence
Dinner & Auction
Nov.8
Celebrating 40 Years
EVENT HISTORY
In 1986, the Board of Trustees of Ronald McDonald House Charities created
an award to honor a child healthcare advocate who made great contributions
to improving the quality of life for children.
In 1987, Ronald McDonald House Charities added a second $100,000
award to recognize an individual (non-physician) who committed his or her life
to improving the lives and well being of children in the areas of education,
the arts, and/or social and civic service.
Today, the Awards of Excellence stands as a salute to dedicated professionals
whose pioneering work is improving young people’s lives. Ronald McDonald
House Charities presents the prestigious Awards at the annual Awards of
Excellence celebration each fall in Chicago. Each $100,000 Award is
presented to the recipient as a donation to the charitable organization of the
individual’s choice.
Since 1988, one member of the McDonald’s family has been honored for their
efforts on behalf of children with the distinguished Gerry Newman McTLC
award. This honor carries a $100,000 grant.
Awards of Excellence
November 8, 2014
© 2014 McDonald's
PAST RECIPIENTS INCLUDE
PAST ENTERTAINMENT
Jamie Lee Curtis
Actress, author of best-selling children's books, and actively connected to many
children's charities.
Jennifer Hudson
First Lady Nancy Reagan
Founder of “Just Say No” anti-drug and alcohol program.
Jim Henson
Muppets creator and children’s television advocate.
Former President Jimmy Carter
Former U.S. President and children’s advocate.
Mister Fred Rogers
Creator and Host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
Michael Bolton
The Four Tops
Gladys Knight
Dionne Warwick
David Foster
Burt Bacharach
Garth Brooks
Dennis De Young
John Pinette
Former First Lady Barbara Bush
Children’s advocate for literacy.
Gregory Harrison
U.S. Gen. Colin L. Powell
Retired U.S. Army General and General Chairman of America’s Promise,
The Alliance for Youth.
Kenny Rogers
Dr. Joseph Simone
Known for his pioneering work in treating childhood leukemia.
Lee Ann Womack
Harry Belafonte
Known all over the world for his accomplishments as both performer and
humanitarian.
Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan
Children’s advocate, who initiates, directs and sponsors mother and children
projects throughout Jordan as well as worldwide.
Sam Trego
Olivia Newton-John
Richard Marx
Richard Page
Jeff Dunham
Clay Aiken
Bernie Mac
Josh Groban
Enrique Iglesias
Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D.
World-wide recognized leading pediatric neurosurgeon has always made
philanthropy a priority in his life. He is President and Co-founder of the Carson
Scholars Fund, which recognizes young people for exceptional academic
and humanitarian accomplishments.
Michael Buble
Marlo Thomas
As the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
Marlo is the driving force behind the public support that enables St. Jude’s to
raise more than $500 million annually making it the third-largest health-related
fundraising effort in the U.S.
Celine Dion
Nick Carter
Yolanda Adams
Nita Whitaker
Peter Cetera
Rita Wilson
Paul Newman on behalf of The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps
Founder, Board Member, volunteer and mentor for The Hole in the Wall Camps.
Alonzo Mourning
Founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities a non-for-profit public fundraising
foundation, whose vision is to inspire through advocacy, education
and enrichment services.
Awards of Excellence
November 8, 2014
Celebrating 40 Years
© 2014 McDonald's