CHICAGO - A group of parents, corporate accountability leaders and health officials want Ronald McDonald to stop being spokesman for the fast-food chain, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Corporate Accountability International, which has battled bottled water and tobacco businesses, says the results of a survey to be released today shows most U.S. residents want the 50-year-old spokesman to step down as McDonald??s Chief Happiness Officer. The group also led efforts to get rid of Joe Camel from Camel Cigarettes.

Today??s event is one of a nearly 24 other happenings at McDonald??s restaurants and university campuses, according to Corporate Accountability International spokesman Nick Guroff. The group objects to Ronald McDonald??s presence at schools and other events focused on children. The group wants the company to stop advertising to children because of what they name a "fast-food-industry childhood obesity crisis."

A McDonald??s spokeswoman said the fast-food chain did not receive a party invitation but reiterated that Ronald McDonald??s position as a brand ambassador will remain the same. "He is the heart and soul of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which lends a helping hand to families in their time of need," said the company in a written statement to the newspaper.

"Ronald also helps deliver messages to families on many important subjects such as safety, literacy and the importance of physical activity and making balanced food choices," the chain said. "That??s what Ronald McDonald is all about, which our customers know and appreciate."