Destiny's Child Releases New Anthem for World Children's Day(TM) at McDonald's(R)

Destiny's Child Releases New Anthem for World Children's Day(TM) at McDonald's(R)

New Single Hits Radio Airwaves September 27

OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Destiny's Child released their new single "Stand Up For Love (2005 World Children's Day Anthem)" to radio today. The song was written and produced by 14-time Grammy Award winner David Foster and his daughter Amy Foster Gillies in partnership with Destiny's Child star Beyonce Knowles to benefit World Children's Day at McDonald's -- an annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) and children's causes around the world.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050927/CGTU024 )

"On our tour, we met many of the children and families who are assisted by the funds raised through World Children's Day. We really recorded this song for them and all of the people who stand up and help," said Knowles. "We'll never be able to repay those kids for what they've taught us. We hope they love this song and it helps raise awareness of World Children's Day at McDonald's," she added.

The single will be featured on Destiny's Child's new "#1's" album which is set to be released on Tuesday, October 25 by Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records. "#1's" brings together, for the very first time, 13 of Destiny's Child's biggest-selling and highest-charting hits along with three brand new never-before-released songs -- including "Stand Up For Love (2005 World Children's Day Anthem)."

"This anthem has so much meaning to it, "said Ken Barun, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. "It is an inspirational testament to the work that RMHC does every day to improve children's lives."

As a former RMHC Awards of Excellence winner and World Children's Day supporter, Foster was inspired to write this song for the thousands of children and families that the charity helps around the world. He has numerous production credits for famous ballads including "I Will Always Love You" recorded by Whitney Houston, "Unforgettable" by Natalie Cole and "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion, among others. His daughter, Amy Foster Gillies, helped co-write "Stand Up For Love" because of the commitment she shares with her dad to RMHC.

In 2004, Destiny's Child received the "Caring Hands, Caring Hearts" award from McDonald's Corporation in recognition of their role as global ambassadors for World Children's Day. Since then, Destiny's Child has been actively involved with World Children's Day as global ambassadors, visiting Ronald McDonald Houses around the world during their "Destiny Fulfilled ... and lovin' it" tour. The supergroup also donated 25 cents to RMHC from every ticket sold during their North American tour and have encouraged fans to join their cause by donating at http://www.rmhc.org/giveahand .

About World Children's Day:

World Children's Day at McDonalds is the company's annual global fundraiser for children held in more than 100 countries. Funds raised will benefit RMHC and local children's causes in communities around the world. The inaugural program in 2002 raised $12 million, the 2003 program raised $15 million and in 2004 more than $23 million was raised to help children. In its fourth year, World Children's Day at McDonald's 2005 will be celebrated around the world throughout November and will culminate on Sunday, November 20, 2005. Countries raise funds in various ways including celebrity concerts, gala dinners, in-restaurant activities, a portion of product sales, and in many countries customers will have the opportunity to purchase a Give A Hand(TM) for $1 USD.

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 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 $410 million in grants to children's programs around the world.

For more information or to make a donation to RMHC, please visit http://www.rmhc.org/ .

For More Information Contact: Joanne Jacobs, McDonald's Global Communications 630-623-7943

Anne Gaskin, GolinHarris 312-729-4127

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050927/CGTU024 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: McDonald's

CONTACT: Joanne Jacobs, McDonald's Global Communications, +1-630-623-7943; or Anne Gaskin of GolinHarris, +1-312-729-4127

Web site: http://www.rmhc.org/ http://www.rmhc.org/giveahand

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