World Children’s Day is McDonald’s annual global fundraiser for children celebrated across 32,000 McDonald’s restaurants in more than 121 countries. Funds raised benefit local causes in communities around the world. The World Children’s Day is celebrated every year on November 20th, a date which was chosen to coincide with the inauguration of the first UNICEF ‘Convention on the Rights of the Child’ in 1989.
On November 9, 2004, the month-long program to build awareness for the fundraiser was kicked off at a McDonald’s restaurant in Los Angeles. To launch the activities, Clay Aiken joined Alejandro Fernandez, Hilary and Haylie Duff, Venus and Serena Williams, Carl Lewis and Randy Jackson as they created and donated autographed handprints.
There was no entertainment at the restaurant that day so Clay did not sing. In 2004, Clay was an ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities and so he was the featured speaker at the event.
All the cement handprints were auctioned on eBay. Clay’s cast sold for over $15,000. Another item donated by Clay, an autographed apron from the same event, went for $5,100 in the eBay auction.
This November, McDonald’s will be hosting McHappy Day – their signature global fundraising event for Ronald McDonald House Charities. For the past seven years, McDonald’s global fundraising efforts have raised more than $150 million for RMHC and other children’s causes around the world through support from McDonald’s customers, as well as McDonald’s employees, owner/operators, and suppliers. McDonald’s Restaurants across the country will donate $1.00 from the sale of every breakfast and beef sandwich Extra Value Meal to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
It is always amazing to see how much money Clay Aiken is able to raise for so many good causes. He is a compassionate man who is articulate and handsome. Seems like this is the recipe for a great spokesperson representing any good cause.
A fan was able to video Clay’s moving speech at the event in Los Angeles. It is always interesting to hear Clay speak.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTVkCmvPI2k
Great to see this video again..
Clay's heart has always been in the same place. I have no doubt that if he had never become famous…Clay Aiken would have continued his career of that of a teacher, but I also believe he would have been so active in his community, helping kids….He's always done it fromthe time he was a Camp Counsellor with the YMCA. He has always wanted to make a difference…and he is doing a great job of that…. I am extremely proud to be a Clay Aiken fan….
Hugs,
Judy
Clay Aiken is an important child advocate and speaks eloquently about their cause.
Clay Aiken has been involved in the promotion of children's causes since before AI. He worked at the YMCA and in the classroom with those with disabilities.
I love the philanthropist, Clay. I hadn't seen this before so I really enjoyed seeing it. Thank you Musicfan for always giving us something special.
I'd never herd this speech by Clay. thsnk you!
Thank you, this video is new to me too. His heart has always been in the right place since the beginning. Great advocate for children. He wanted children with disabilities to be included in camp activities and made use of his popularity to do just that, and pioneered the birth of a successful foundation now known as the National Inclusion Project. That is AMAZING. A true celebrity role model.
Clay has always been involved in children's causes…way before AI. He always said he was going to make a difference and he certainly has. Couldn't be any prouder of him.