Ryan Seacrest to Host Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Hearts and Hands Gala October 24th

ATLANTA--(Business Wire)--
Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) announces its Hearts and Hands
Gala at 7pm on Saturday, October 24, at the World of Coca-Cola. Atlanta`s own
Ryan Seacrest of "American Idol" will serve as host of the sold out black-tie
dinner which will feature a special performance by "American Idol" season six
finalist, Melinda Doolittle and a silent auction. The Coca-Cola Company is the
event`s presenting sponsor. The Event Chair is Javier Goizueta, Vice President,
The Coca-Cola Company and President of the McDonald`s Division Worldwide. Muhtar
Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Coca-Cola Company is Honorary
Chair.

"The Ronald McDonald House is a cause that is very dear to the hearts of us at
The Coca-Cola Company. We are committed to supporting the mission of Ronald
McDonald House Charities, as we strive to help improve the health and well-being
of children and families in need," says Javier Goizueta.

Proceeds from the Hearts and Hands Gala will support operations of Atlanta`s two
Ronald McDonald Houses. "We are grateful for the generosity and ongoing support
of The Coca-Cola Company. And we are thrilled Coca-Cola`s longtime ambassador,
Ryan Seacrest, will host the evening. Despite a tough economy, we expect this
inaugural event will be successful in raising funds to support families in need
at our two local Ronald McDonald Houses. This year marks our 30th anniversary
and this new event is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness for Atlanta
Ronald McDonald House Charities and the organization's important work throughout
the area," says Linda M. Morris, President/CEO of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House
Charities.

Increased demand led to the recent expansion of the local Ronald McDonald House
programs. Last year, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities opened a new
state-of-the-art 50-bedroom $15.7 million Ronald McDonald House near Emory
University and Children`s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston to meet the growing
need. An 11-bedroom Ronald McDonald House on Peachtree Dunwoody Road continues
to operate at full capacity to serve families of children receiving medical
treatment at Children`s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Combined, the
two local Houses serve more than 2,000 families a year.

About Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, began his career in
broadcasting at the age of sixteen when he applied for an internship at
Atlanta`s top radio station, WSTR-STAR 94. Today, Seacrest continues to rule the
radio air waves with the nationally syndicated On Air with Ryan Seacrest and
American Top 40 which can also be heard on Star 94 in Atlanta. Ryan Seacrest can
also be seen on television daily co-hosting the entertainment news show E! News
and as host of Fox`s highly acclaimed program "American Idol." As a television
producer, Seacrest`s projects under his RSP banner include "Denise Richards:
It`s Complicated," "Momma`s Boys," "Bromance," "Keeping Up With the Kardashians"
and he is working on two new shows with Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian and
celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver.

About Melinda Doolittle

Melinda Doolittle, who became a household name on season six of "American Idol",
continues to thrill with her debut album, Coming Back To You.

Garnering rave reviews from critics, including The New York Times which hailed
Melinda as one of the most 'phenomenally gifted' in years, Coming Back to You,
is a torch-passing musical revelation worthy of the R&B immortals - Gladys
Knight, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner - with Melinda emerging as our most
authentic new ambassador of R&B.

Since her time on "Idol" and her transition into the spotlight, Melinda has
wowed audiences everywhere with her `big voice` and `soulful` performances, from
the White House to the Musicians Hall of Fame; from The Kennedy Center to "The
Today Show."

Only her spirit outshines her musical accomplishments, as she dedicates much of
her time to working with numerous charities, including Ronald McDonald House
Charities. Whether it`s manning phones in a fundraising drive or visiting with
families and singing Christmas carols, Melinda makes time to support RMHC,
"because they make such an amazing difference in the lives of every family they
touch." For more information on Melinda visit, www.MelindaDoolittle.com.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company,
refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with
Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's
portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta,
Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee.
Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice
drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage
distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's
beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring
commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on
initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the
economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information
about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

About Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc. 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 critically ill and injured children
being treated at Children`s Healthcare of Atlanta, Scottish Rite and Egleston.
ARMHC has served more than 35,000 families in its 30-year history.

Atlanta`s first Ronald McDonald House, the fourth in the world, located at 792
Houston Mill Road featured 16 bedrooms and hosted more than 24,000 families
since opening in 1979. This facility closed May 1, 2008as the new 50-bedroom
Gatewood Ronald McDonald House opened on June 9, 2008 less than a mile away. In
June of 1994, the second house opened at 5420 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, which
includes 11 bedrooms and has hosted more than 8,000 families.

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 treatment at local children`s
hospitals.

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Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities
MEDIA CONTACT:
Carrie A. Bowden, 678-704-8085 (direct) or 404-822-3704 (cell)
or
Travis M. Parker, 678-704-8097 (direct) or 404-786-5851 (cell)

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