McDonald's 'World Children's Day' kick-off features all-star line-up: Hilary Duff, Haylie Duff, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Clay Aiken, Alejandro Fernandez, Carl Lewis, and Randy Jackson

OAK BROOK, IL. (McDonalds PR) - Stars of the entertainment and sports worlds are giving their hands in support of World Children's Day at McDonald's, a worldwide fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and other children's causes. Today's activities at a Los Angeles McDonald's restaurant kicked off the month-long initiative to build awareness for the annual fundraiser. This year, McDonald's goal is to raise $20 million dollars.

Kick Off Event
To launch the 2004 World Children's Day fundraising activities, music artist and actress sisters Hilary Duff and Haylie Duff, tennis champions Venus Williams and Serena Williams, multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken, Latin superstar Alejandro Fernandez, Olympic track and field legend Carl Lewis, and famed American Idol judge Randy Jackson, will literally 'Give A Hand' by creating and donating autographed handprints.
The handprints will be auctioned on eBay (www.ebay.com/worldchildrensday) November 10-20, with proceeds benefiting RMHC. Handprints from Brooke Shields, Lara Flynn Boyle, Blair Underwood, Andy Dick, Peter Boyle, Nick Carter, Trista Rehn-Sutter and Kwame Jackson, among others, will also be available for bid.

As part of the day's celebration, McDonald's debuted the new World Children's Day TV commercial featuring mega-star group Destiny's Child - who will lend their support to the Charity's ongoing efforts. The TV spot, along with in-restaurant materials promoting World Children's Day, is the first phase of the global partnership with Destiny's Child announced last month.