Corporate Partner Stories

Simon GivingCard to Benefit the Children’s Cancer Hospital at M. D. Anderson

Gift Card Available at 11 Shopping Centers in Texas

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Simon Property Group Inc. recently launched a gift card program designed to raise awareness and generate funds for the Children’s Cancer Hospital at M. D. Anderson.

The Simon GivingCard debuted May 10 at the Galleria in Houston, Barton Creek Square in Austin, North East Mall in Hurst and Rolling Oaks Mall in San Antonio. On hand for the ceremonies were Children’s Cancer Hospital physicians, M. D. Anderson and Simon Property Group representatives, community leaders and pediatric cancer survivors. At the Houston Galleria, Simon representatives presented a $10,000 contribution to the Children’s Cancer Hospital.

“Forming this alliance with Simon Property Group is a wonderful asset for our hospital and our patients,” says Eugenie Kleinerman, M.D., head of the Children’s Cancer Hospital. “We appreciate the interest Simon takes in what’s happening in the neighborhoods where their properties are located. Funds generated through sales of the Simon GivingCard will aid cancer research and supportive programs for our pediatric patients.”

The Simon GivingCard is available at the following shopping centers:

• Houston:   The Galleria and Katy Mills
• Garland:   Firewheel Town Center
• Grapevine: Grapevine Mills   
• Irving:  Irving Mall
• Hurst:   North East Mall
• Austin:  Barton Creek Square, The Domain and Lakeline Mall
• San Antonio:  Ingram Park Mall and Rolling Oaks Mall

“We’re so proud to have the opportunity to join forces with this premier medical facility as we chart new gift card territory in Texas with the Simon GivingCard,” says Stewart Stockdale, chief marketing officer of Simon Property Group and president of Simon Brand Ventures, Simon's business-to-consumer arm. “Through this new affiliation with M. D. Anderson, we can offer a charitable option for consumers that’s simple to use and really delivers, making it easy to create a difference in many children’s young lives.”

The Simon GivingCard can be used at all Simon shopping centers and anywhere VISA debit cards are accepted. The card will be sold in increments ranging from $20 to $500 at the Simon malls listed above. Of the $3 handling fee charged per card purchased, $.50 will benefit the Children’s Cancer Hospital. The Simon GivingCard will also be available for purchase online at www.simon.com.

The Simon GivingCard is part of the Simon Giftcard^® program, the world’s largest VISA prepaid gift card program, representing sales of more than $500 million in 2007.

The Children’s Cancer Hospital at M. D. Anderson has been serving children for more than 50 years. In addition to the groundbreaking research and quality of treatment available to pediatric patients, it provides patients with comprehensive programs that help the children lead more normal lives during and after treatment. For further information, visit the Children’s Cancer Hospital Web site at www.mdanderson.org/children.

Simon Property Group is an S&P 500 company and the largest public U.S. real estate company. Simon is a fully integrated real estate company that operates from five retail real estate platforms: regional malls, Premium Outlet Centers^®, The Mills^®, community/lifestyle centers and international properties. It currently owns or has an interest in 382 properties comprising 260 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia. The company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. Simon Property Group is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG.