March 26, 2008
University of Miami To Host Mcdonald's All American High School Basketball Games
Annual Event Makes First Stop in Miami
CORAL GABLES, FL (March 26, 2008) - The University of Miami has been selected to host the 2009 McDonald's All American High School Basketball Boys and Girls Games, it was announced today in Milwaukee, site of the 2008 Games. UM was represented by Kirby Hocutt, who will become Athletic Director on June 1.
The Games, scheduled to be played at the BankUnited Center on the University of Miami's Coral Gables campus, will be played April 1, 2009, and will be nationally televised on ESPN.
"We are very excited to host the 2009 All American Basketball Games," said Alex C. Rodriguez, local McDonald's owner/operator and chairman of the Miami game. "Seeing the up-and-coming basketball stars and all their fans here next year will be very exciting for South Florida."
Throughout its history, the McDonald's All American Games' primary purpose as a fundraiser for RMHC has been fulfilled alongside its ability to showcase the nation's top high school basketball players. A portion of the proceeds from the 2009 Game will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. Since the Game was first played in 1978, more than $5 million has been raised for RMHC and other children's charities.
"Hosting the Game here in South Florida provides us with an excellent opportunity to not only raise money for our charity, but to increase awareness about all that we do to help local children live happier, healthier and more productive lives," said Soraya Rivera-Moya, executive director of RMHC of South Florida. "All of our programs directly improve the health and well being of children right here in South Florida."
The 2009 McDonald's All American Game will be played April 1 at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables. The McDonald's All American Boys Game will be broadcast live on ESPN and the McDonald's All American Girls Game will be broadcast on ESPNU. Visit www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com and www.mcdonalds.com for more information on the McDonald's All American Game.
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About the University of Miami
The University of Miami's mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of the diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world. www.miami.edu
About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Since 1981, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) (r) of South Florida has been dedicated to helping local children live happier, healthier and more productive lives by supporting health care and medical research programs, education and the arts, and civic and social programs. Its cornerstone program, the Ronald McDonald House(r), provides a "home away from home" for families with ill children receiving treatment at nearby pediatric medical facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. RMHC of South Florida also awards grants to local not-for-profit organizations serving children through a portion of donations from McDonald's customers and Global Ronald McDonald House Charities matching grants.
