"Malcolm In The Middle" Co-Star Justin Berfield Teams Up With Ronald McDonald House Charities® To Help Kids Nationwide

OAK BROOK, IL (December 13, 2001) - Justin Berfield, co-star of Fox TV's Emmy-winning series "Malcolm in the Middle" and advocate of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Southern California, is expanding his involvement with the Charity to include outreach efforts nationwide.

Justin's plans include assisting RMHC as a national "youth ambassador" in support of programs and initiatives that benefit the health and well being of children.

Specifically, Berfield will help bring attention to the work being done by the Charity's network of more than 30,000 volunteers, donors and program partners. This consists of appearances at fundraising events and news conferences, visits to Ronald McDonald Houses across the country, and participation in public service campaigns.

"I have always believed in the importance of giving something back, so I am honored to serve as a youth ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities," Berfield said. "Through my involvement, I hope to let people everywhere learn more about the great work being done by RMHC and encourage young people to participate in charitable efforts."

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Justin has been involved first-hand with RMHC in California through the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House (LLRMH) and its Mini Grand Prix fundraising events. The LLRMH provides a home-away-from-home for families of children receiving treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses at Loma Linda University's Children's Hospital and other nearby hospitals in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit, 501(c)3, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children through its network of 171 local Chapters currently serving in 44 countries. Named one of America's Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine, the Charity makes grants to not for-profit organizations and provides support to Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles worldwide. To date, Ronald McDonald House Charities' national body and global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $300 million to children's programs. For more information on Ronald McDonald House Charities and its global and local community efforts, visit the Ronald McDonald House Charities Web site at www.rmhc.org or call 630/623-7048.