Dreaming of a Clay Christmas

Dreaming of a Clay Christmas High Bidder of eBay Auction for Clay Aiken's Cement Handprints Gets the Ultimate Holiday Gift from McDonald's(R) When the Singer Presents the Hands in Person to the Winner ATLANTA, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the cement handprints of Clay Aiken are worth more than $15,000 to one lucky "Claymate." Linda Chen of San Jose, Calif. was the highest bidder for the item at an eBay auction for World Children's Day(TM) at McDonald's that benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) and other children's causes. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041217/CGF038 ) Chen beat 83 other bidders to win Clay Aiken's cement handprints on eBay at a closing price of $15,099.99. The handprints were created in November during a World Children's Day at McDonald's event. Chen's generous donation sparked the interest of McDonald's executives, and the company flew Chen and a friend to Atlanta to receive the handprints from Clay himself during his "Joyful Noise Tour," sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities. "I can't begin to express how ecstatic I am to meet Clay while giving to a great charity," Chen said. "He has given so much back to the world as a result of his success, and my donation is the least I could do to support his efforts." Multi-Platinum Superstar Aiken was recently named an Ambassador for RMHC and participated in both the second and third annual events for World Children's Day at McDonald's. "I have met many of the children and families that benefit from the comfort and support provided by RMHC and its programs, they are the real heroes," Aiken said. The eBay auction raised more than $28,000 for RMHC. Other celebrities who donated their handprints to the auction included music and actress sisters Hilary Duff and Haylie Duff, tennis champions Venus Williams and Serena Williams, Latin music superstar Alejandro Fernandez, Olympic track and field legend Carl Lewis and famed American Idol judge Randy Jackson. Another item donated by the singer, an autographed apron from the same World Children's Day event, went for $5,100 in the eBay auction; bringing the total donation to RMHC by Clay's fans to more than $20,000. "I am shocked and honored by the outcome of the eBay auction," Aiken said. "When Ronald McDonald House Charities approached me about donating my handprints I had no idea they would be such a big seller. I'm truly thankful to all who bid and supported World Children's Day and RMHC." Throughout November, participating McDonald's restaurants worldwide offered two fundraising opportunities for World Children's Day. The first was "Give A Hand(TM)," which allowed customers to show their support by purchasing and personalizing paper cut-out hands for $1, then posting the hands in the restaurant. Participating restaurants also contributed donations from select menu items to help children. In the U.S., from November 18-20, a portion of sales from Happy Meals, Mighty Kids Meals and Extra Value Meals were donated to RMHC. "Clay has been a true supporter of the Charity and we are very thankful for his involvement," said Ken Barun, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. "Given the ever-increasing needs of children around the globe, McDonald's and people like Clay have made a tremendous effort to increase awareness and raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities." "The Joyful Noise Tour" officially began in Costa Mesa, Calif. on Friday, November 26 and features a 30-piece orchestra. His two performances at Atlanta Symphony Hall today and tomorrow will include the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 restaurants serving nearly 47 million people in more than 120 countries each day. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women. For nutritional information, please visit http://www.mcdonalds.com/ . 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 181 local Chapters in 48 countries and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House(R), Ronald McDonald Family Room(TM) and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile(TM). RMHC and its global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $400 million in grants and program services to children's programs around the world. For more information, visit http://www.rmhc.org/ . FOR MORE INFORMATION: Michon Ellis, McDonald's 630-623-4061 Kevin Dietz, GolinHarris 312-729-4281 kdietz@golinharris.com Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041217/CGF038 AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN16 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: McDonald's Corporation CONTACT: Michon Ellis of McDonald's, +1-630-623-4061, or Kevin Dietz of GolinHarris, +1-312-729-4281, kdietz@golinharris.com Web site: http://www.rmhc.org/ http://www.mcdonalds.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment