KING OF PRUSSIA, PA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/22/13 -- To celebrate 25 years of service to communities nationwide as leaders in early childhood education, The Goddard School is kicking off their 25th anniversary festivities with a special fundraising campaign to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®).

To commemorate this milestone year for The Goddard School, Goddard Schools nationwide are joining in the celebration and fundraising efforts, with the hopes of helping reach a national goal of $250,000.

To reach each school's individual goal of $577, Goddard Schools will be fundraising until February 15. The majority of the money raised locally will stay in each school's local community. The nearly 400 Goddard Schools nationwide will be fundraising to support children and families served by their local RMHC Chapters.

"At The Goddard School, even the youngest children learn about compassion and cooperation. This partnership with RMHC provides a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about good deeds and what it means to support those in need," said Sue Adair, Director of Education at GSI. "The fundraising efforts for RMHC allow the children to learn firsthand the importance of helping other families in their communities and across the country."

In addition to each school's fundraising efforts, the children will be creating birthday cards to support children served by their local RMHC Chapter. The birthday cards will be distributed throughout the year by RMHC directors to pediatric patients or family members celebrating birthdays during their, or a loved one's, hospital stay. For every card that Goddard Schools collect, Goddard Systems, Inc., franchisor of The Goddard School, will donate $1 to RMHC (up to $25,000).

"We are grateful for the support we receive from The Goddard School. By raising awareness and funds for RMHC, together, we are able to help provide hope, healing, resources and strength to families who are facing the battle of their child's medical crisis," said Marty Coyne, president and CEO, RMHC.

To learn more The Goddard School, parents are encouraged to call 1-800-GODDARD or visit online at GoddardSchool.com.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 57 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-operated and supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHC) or like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile

About The Goddard School®

The Goddard School®: Celebrating 25 Years of Learning through Play.
Learning for fun. Learning for life.(SM) The Goddard School uses the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children from six weeks to six years old have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Talented teachers collaborate with parents to nurture children into respectful, confident and joyful learners. The Goddard School's AdvancED and Middle States-accredited F.L.EX.(SM) Learning Program reaches more than 45,000 students in 390+ Goddard Schools in 35 states. The Goddard School's comprehensive play-based curriculum, developed with early childhood education experts, provides the best childhood preparation for social and academic success. To learn more about The Goddard School, please visit www.goddardschool.com.