Remarks at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Hearts and Hands Gala

Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Coca-Cola Company
World of Coca-Cola
Atlanta, Georgia
October 24, 2009

As prepared for delivery

Thank you, Ryan (Seacrest), and good evening, everyone. Ryan -- my daughter just called me on my cell phone and wanted to know if you were as cute in person as on TV. I wasn't really sure how to answer that, so I just said "yes."

One thing I am absolutely sure of, though, is that it's inspiring to see such a wonderful turnout tonight for Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. Thank you for your gracious support.

Also, please join me in thanking Ryan and Melinda (Doolittle/singer) for joining us this evening. We're looking forward to a great program.

I would also like to acknowledge some leaders here with us who have been instrumental in making this night possible. We're pleased to have with us the President and Chief Operating Officer of McDonald's -- Mr. Ralph Alvarez. Ralph -- welcome. From Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, we're pleased to have Linda Morris, the President and CEO, and Bob Morrison, Chairman of the Board.

I also want to recognize some folks from Coca-Cola who have been very important to our relationship with McDonald's over the years, including past Presidents of our McDonald's Division -- John Gillen and Jerry Wilson. Many of us in this room were also privileged to work with the late Mark O'Shaughnessy of Coca-Cola. Mark was very devoted to Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and that legacy of devotion lives on tonight.

Special recognition also goes to Pat Pratt, whose late husband Waddy Pratt was the first leader of the McDonald's Division at Coca-Cola. Waddy was the gentleman who took the original call from Ray Kroc back in 1955 that began this wonderful journey between our two companies. Pat -- it's wonderful to have you with us tonight.

I also want to thank Reverend Warnock, from Ebenezer Baptist Church, for being with us tonight. Reverend Warnock will be leading our invocation in just a few minutes.

I hope all of you are enjoying these beautiful surroundings here at Pemberton Place. Between the Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola and the soon-to-be National Center for Civil and Human Rights -- Pemberton Place is fast becoming a premier gathering place for our great city and a model of urban revitalization.

Here in the shadows of The World of Coca-Cola, I am also reminded of the great leaders of the past who did more than just build a company but helped build a city. Incredible leaders like Javier's father, Roberto Goizueta, and Asa Candler, Robert Woodruff, Paul Austin, Don Keough and Neville Isdell, to name just a few.

Javier [Goizueta] said it best earlier. Atlanta has always been defined by extraordinary leadership -- leaders who have stepped up in times of change... in times of need... and in times of opportunity. We are all better today because of their contributions and their vision for a better Atlanta.

As I look around at the leadership that has gathered here tonight, I see the same commitment and passion for a better Atlanta. And when I think about Ronald McDonald House Charities, I can't think of another organization that more embodies Atlanta's core values of compassion, hospitality and community.

Last year, I was privileged to join the Ronald McDonald House Charities Global Board of Trustees. I was drawn to this role for several reasons, not the least of which is that when you work for a global organization that operates in 206 countries like Coca-Cola, you literally see the world from the ground up.

You see the good and the bad, the promise and the peril, and the need for help across so many segments of society. And your heart is truly warmed by the enormous impact that Ronald McDonald House makes in the lives of people and communities around the world.

With 285 houses in over 30 countries, Ronald McDonald House Charities is a beacon of support for families in their greatest times of need.

Indeed, when your child is sick, a welcoming home away from home... a hot meal... a comfortable bed... and the fellowship and support of others going through the same experiences -- are priceless blessings.

Every year, Ronald McDonald House Charities comes to the aid of nearly 4 million children and their families. That's right -- 4 million children and 4 million families -- including members of our own Coca-Cola family.

Let me read to you a note from Jennifer Smith Brittain, an employee of Coca-Cola, who received support from Ronald McDonald House when her first child was born with a serious birth defect in 1998.

Jennifer writes -- "I found out when I was 20 weeks pregnant that my daughter, Haleigh, had a birth defect that threatened her life. Immediately after delivery she was taken to Scottish Rite Hospital for treatment. Haleigh was in the NICU at Scottish Rite for one month. During this time, I remember taking up home in the waiting room because I didn't want to leave the hospital. Then I found out about the Ronald McDonald House. At the Ronald McDonald House on Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., I was provided with a "home away from home" while Haleigh was getting well. Staying at the Ronald McDonald House, I was able to walk to the hospital every day to be with her. The house provided a welcoming and comfortable setting. There were always smiling faces and a warm meal. Haleigh is my first -- and only child, and was the first grandchild in our family. She's known as our miracle baby, thanks to all the miracle workers that saved her life and cared for our family during this difficult and emotional time."

Jennifer's story is truly emblematic of the care and comfort received by the thousands of families over the years through this wonderful charity.

We at Coca-Cola have understood and supported the Ronald McDonald House vision from the onset. In fact, we were there with donated beverages and a vending machine when the very first Ronald McDonald House opened in 1974 in Philadelphia.

Last year, we donated 4 million cans of beverages to refresh families staying in Ronald McDonald Houses all over the world. Equally important to us, every year, thousands of Coca-Cola volunteers give their time and energy to this great charity. The benefits of such engagement are immeasurable.

There is nothing more uplifting or more gratifying than service to others. When a group of committed people come together to be part of a community that is truly larger than themselves, there is no limit to what can be achieved. This is truly the spirit of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

And in this spirit tonight, we honor, celebrate and support the great work of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Thank you again for being with us, and for your tremendous support of this extraordinary organization.

Please enjoy the rest of the evening.