FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              

Aug. 1, 2011                                                                                     

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York looking for Empire State Marathon fundraising team members

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York is asking all participants or interested participants of the inaugural Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon to consider joining the Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY marathon fundraising team.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY has been designated as the official charity of the race on Sunday, Oct. 16. The organization operates 24 hours a day, year-round as a “home away from home” for families whose children are hospitalized with serious illness or injuries. Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY is building a new, larger handicap-accessible House that will allow the organization to keep even more families together during a time of need. All donations raised through the Empire State Marathon will go toward the new House.

Runners can now donate to the charity during the registration process. A donation feature has been added to the online registration of the Empire State Marathon so participants can elect to make a one-time donation to the charity when they register. Entrants can also choose to fundraise for the organization and set up their own personal fundraising page.

All team members will have the opportunity to participate in team rallies and will receive a special Ronald McDonald House team shirt.

For more information about the marathon or to register, visit www.empirestatemarathon.com. To make a donation or create your own team page, visit www.active.com/donate/rmhccny. For additional information or any questions on the Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY marathon fundraising team, contact the CNY Ronald McDonald House at 315-476-1027.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York:

Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY operates the 16-bedroom CNY Ronald McDonald House 24-hours a day, year-round as a “home away from home” for families whose children are hospitalized with serious illnesses or injuries. RMHC of CNY is building a new, larger Ronald McDonald House that will allow the organization to help keep even more families with seriously ill children together. For more information or to donate, visit www.cnyronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.

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