New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets Put Rivalry Aside to Show Area Residents That 'Community Service Is a Team Sport'

New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets Put Rivalry Aside to Show Area Residents That 'Community Service Is a Team Sport'

WHAT: Richard Jefferson, star forward for the Nets, and center Channing Frye, the Knicks first-round draft pick and fellow University of Arizona alum, will join forces to visit the Ronald McDonald House of NYC from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005. Jefferson and Frye will take a tour of the house -- the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world -- then play games with the many children who are staying at the House while undergoing medical treatment at nearby hospitals.

The athletes are visiting the house to launch "Community Service Is A Team Sport" -- a program encouraging young people to volunteer -- created by McDonald's and Z100 and benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the New York Tri-State Area. Z100's Paul "Cubby" Bryant will serve as special guest emcee for the event.

About Community Service is A Team Sport: Young people from area middle and high schools in the region are being encouraged to give back to their communities and perform acts of community service. The school that volunteers the most community service hours AND raises the most money for RMHC per capita will receive a private concert by number-one hit musical artists, THE CLICK FIVE. For more information log on to www.mcdonaldsnymetro.com and www.z100.com.

WHEN/ WHERE: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Ronald McDonald House of New York City 405 E. 73rd St. (BETWEEN 1st and York Avenues) New York, NY 10021

MEDIA Photo opportunities with Richard Jefferson and Channing OPPORTUNITIES: Frye playing games with children in the house Q&A with Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye

BACKGROUND: The Ronald McDonald House in New York City is the largest facility of its type in the world. It can accommodate 84 families and it is filled to capacity almost every night. The House's location in Manhattan, in close proximity to 12 major cancer treatment centers, draws children and families from across the country and around the world.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is a non-profit organization that creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. RMHC is unique in that it fulfills a need for children and their families by providing access to services they would not otherwise receive. To date, Ronald McDonald House Charities has funded $400 million in grants and program services, providing an immediate, positive impact on children's lives. For more information about RMHC, please visit www.rmhc.org

TO SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS, PLEASE CONTACT: Lauren Zaccardi 201-964-2467 or cell 201-724-6150/ Eneuri Acosta 201-964-2473

or cell 973-405-9587

PRNewswire -- Sept. 23

Source: McDonald's New York Tri-State Area

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