Dr Pepper & Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana Announce 'Dr Pepper Challenge' to Build World's Largest Ronald McDonald House® in Chicago

Challenge Encourages Consumers to Join the Effort with Donations Matched Dollar-for-Dollar

CHICAGO, June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr Pepper and Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI) are partnering in the "Dr Pepper Challenge," which will support the development of the world's largest Ronald McDonald House® in Chicago, set to open in 2012.  As part of the Challenge, Dr Pepper has pledged to match donations up to a total of $250,000 over the next five years to accelerate fundraising for this critical initiative.  Consumers can take part in the Challenge by visiting RonaldHouseChicago.org and making a donation.

"Dr Pepper is proud to be a part of building the world's largest Ronald McDonald House, right here in Chicago," said Tom Jerik, market development director for Dr Pepper Snapple Group. "We are committed to helping the communities in which we do business, and are passionate about helping build 14 stories of care and comfort for the families of hospitalized children.  We know our customers will be, too."

Dr Pepper has enlisted the help of Chicago's very own Dan Hampton, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle who played with the Chicago Bears for 12 seasons, to serve as the campaign's spokesperson.  Hampton will appear in a TV PSA airing later this month, and will also make public appearances in support of the Dr Pepper Challenge.

"We are delighted that Dr Pepper and Dan Hampton have stepped up to support the new Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children's, and help us in our mission to keep families together," said Doug Porter, the chief executive officer of RMHC-CNI. "We hope the Dr Pepper Challenge will inspire others to join the cause."

Reflecting the beauty of the city, the new Ronald McDonald House, located at 211 East Grand, will offer private rooms and nurturing communal areas to provide parents with the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate just blocks from where their child is being treated. Nestled among four world class hospitals, the new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Prentice Women's Hospital and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the House will serve as a haven of compassion and hope for families who travel from all parts of the globe to get their children the finest health care.

ABOUT DR PEPPER

Dr Pepper, a brand of Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS), is the oldest major soft drink in the United States. Since 1885, the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper have earned legions of fans that enjoy its unique, refreshing taste. The brand is available in Regular, Diet, Caffeine Free and Cherry varieties. DPSG is a leading producer of flavored soft drinks, marketing Dr Pepper and 50-plus other beverage brands across North America and the Caribbean. Dr Pepper will be available in all Chicagoland McDonald's by the end of July, and available nationally at McDonald's by the end of 2010. For more information on Dr Pepper, visit www.drpepper.com or www.drpeppersnapple.com.

ABOUT RMHC-CNI

The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI) is to improve the health, well-being and education of children through our core programs. Our four Houses provide a "home away from home" to keep the families of hospitalized children together.  Located near Advocate Hope Children's Hospital, Children's Memorial Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center  and University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, the Houses allow families to eat, sleep and find the emotional support they need – just blocks from where their child is being treated. For more information visit: www.RonaldHouseChicago.org  

SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana