LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Kings, the 2012 Stanley Cup Champions, in a joint effort with McDonald’s will donate $1 Million to local charities as a special “Thank You” to the city of Los Angeles for its support this past year, the hockey club – including its players – announced this afternoon as part of a news conference at STAPLES Center.

As part of the pledge – which was announced by Kings executives Tim Leiweke and Luc Robitaille along with Kings forward Jarret Stoll, defenseman Matt Greene and goaltender Jonathan Quick -- the Kings Care Foundation will work with the following four local charities to maximize this commitment:

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California

Boys and Girls Club of America

City Year Los Angeles

“We feel that it is important to not only make a significant commitment back to our community but to help facilitate a sizeable charitable effort that everybody can get behind -- including our players, our fans and our partners in particular,” said Robitaille.

“Luc Robitaille and the Kings have been strong supporters of our children and families, and we are thrilled with their decision to invest in our partnership in such a significant way,” said Rob Parker, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California.

To support this commitment, the Kings Care Foundation will spearhead fundraising initiatives in several categories, including special auctions and fan-friendly events.

Among the highlights will be a unique Kings Stanley Cup Championship ring auction. One ring will be auctioned or raffled off for each of the four aforementioned charities, so that our fans can support the cause of their choice, and a fifth ring will be handled and supported by the Kings Care Foundation.

In addition to Stoll and Greene who were at STAPLES Center today along with Quick, Kings players on the whole have stepped up to support the initiative and will be very active in the program. Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty will donate tickets as part of a special ticket program; captain Dustin Brown will donate money for each on-ice hit as part of a special Hit Tracker; and Quick, the Conn Smythe Trophy winning goalie, will donate $500 per win from his 326 Foundation.

The $1 Million “Thank You” pledge will also provide additional support to key military charities and youth hockey organizations. FOX Sports West and Clear Channel will serve as special media partners.