Portland Trail Blazer Greg Oden and McDonald’s on Wednesday announced a new two-year partnership. It helped kick off a campaign to raise funds and awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charities in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

KGW photo

New Blazer Greg Oden.

Oden is a former McDonald’s All American High School Basketball standout.

“We are absolutely thrilled to align with Greg because he strongly shares the same values of community involvement and commitment to our youth,” said McDonald’s Owner/Operator and Co-Op President, Doug Wacker. “As a board member of the local RMHC chapter for many years, I can tell you it means a lot when someone of Greg’s stature lends a hand to help bring awareness and support for kids and families in need.”

In 2008, participating McDonald’s Restaurants in Oregon and Southwest Washington will donate a portion of the proceeds from every coffee to the RMHC Chapters in Oregon.

“I’m honored that McDonald’s restaurants throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington have asked me to join forces to show support for local communities, and to hopefully make a positive impact in the health and well-being of children right here in our own backyard,” said Oden.

In addition to supporting local Ronald McDonald Houses, Oden will visit several outreach programs that McDonald’s supports in the community, such as McTeacher’s Nights with local schools and other youth oriented activities.

“We can’t think of a better local ‘larger than life’ person who is such a positive role model for so many kids, to lend a hand to families who stay at the local Ronald McDonald Houses,” said Wacker. “We feel the fit with McDonald’s will be a great one and appreciate the long term commitments by both parties.”

A special celebration for the Oden partnership was held Wednesday morning at the Ronald McDonald House across from Emmanuel Children’s Hospital.