Ronald McDonald House Charities Awards of Excellence Honors Alonzo Mourning

In honor of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improve the lives of children, Ronald McDonald House Charities hosted its 25th Annual Awards of Excellence celebration on Saturday, November 7, in Rosemont, Ill.

The annual event presented three prestigious awards to individuals selected from across the globe, including:

Alonzo Mourning is a seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year and also the founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities, a not-for-profit public fundraising foundation, whose vision is to inspire through advocacy, education and enrichment services. Mourning is also the captain of the McDonald’s All American® Games Advisory Council, a prestigious institution of McDonald’s All American alumni who donate their good will and reputations to promote the Games and help the rising stars of tomorrow build a lasting legacy of good sportsmanship and charity. The All American Games have raised millions of dollars for RMHC and its network of local Chapters since its inception in 1978. He is honored with the RMHC Award of Excellence for his commitment to building strong communities by supporting programs and initiatives that promote positive change.

• Dr. Philip A. Pizzo is Dean of the School of Medicine at Stanford University and the Carl and Elizabeth Naumann Stanford University School of Medicine and professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology and Immunology. He was honored with the RMHC Medical Award of Excellence for his contributions in the areas of childhood cancer and HIV/AIDS.
• Jonah and Lynn Kaufman, McDonald’s® owner/operators and dedicated philanthropists were honored with the Gerry Newman McTLC Award of Excellence for their legacy of philanthropy through their support of RMHC and many other organizations including Huntington School District, the Child Care Council of Suffolk, and the Family Service League of Long Island. Through the Family Service League, the Kaufmans founded and continue to support a “Back to School Boutique” which provides school supplies and backpacks to over 800 children from low income families each year.

“We are pleased to recognize these remarkable individuals for their on-going contributions to children,” said Marty Coyne, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. “Like RMHC, these award recipients are committed to being part of the solution in providing access to care for children so they can live fulfilling and productive lives.”

Pictured: NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning received the Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) Award of Excellence during the Charities’ 25th Annual Awards of Excellence celebration on Saturday, November 7, 2009 in Rosemont, Ill. The gala honored four individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improve the lives of children. (From left to right: Linda Dunham, chair of the Global Board of Trustees for RMHC; Award of Excellence honoree and NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning and president and CEO of RMHC Marty Coyne). (PRNewsFoto/Ronald McDonald House Charities)