The Venetian Carnival 2011 Raised MOP500,000 at Copacabana Charity Ball

Macao's first international Carnival raises major funds for local charity organization

MACAU, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- With the 3-day Venetian Carnival 2011 (May 27-29) successfully concluded, and lots of happy revelers looking forward to more fun and games at The Venetian Macao in future, Sands China Ltd. takes great pleasure in being able to share some of the joy of the occasion with other members of the community.

Nile Rodgers of Chic gets it on at the Copacabana Charity Dinner

A shimmering evening to remember! Copacabana Charity Dinner guests enjoy top-line international entertainment

Sands China Ltd. President and Chief Operating Officer Edward Tracy joins fellow Venetian executives in an exchange of toasts at the Copacabana Charity Dinner

World Samba Champions Beija Flor bring the spirit of Rio to the Copacabana Charity Dinner

Renowned Hong Kong minstrel/actor Kenny Bee (Chung Chun-To) performs some of his hits at the Copacabana Charity Dinner

Guests and performers dance into the wee hours

Guests and performers dance into the wee hours

Guests and performers dance into the wee hours

A check for HK$500,000 - courtesy of various charitable sales activities at The Venetian Carnival, a silent auction at the following night's Copacabana Ball, and a dollar-for-dollar contribution by Sands China Ltd. - means that the Women's General Association of Macau - Relief Fund for Poverty and Single Parent Family can continue to subsidise school textbooks for the children of poor and single-parent members, and fund parent-children activities as well as extend emergency financial assistance to needy families.

Founded in 1950, the Women's General Association of Macau has dedicated itself to improving the welfare of both women and children and protecting the inalienable, legitimate rights of women. Some 10 years ago, the Association established an assistance fund for poor and single-parent families in order to render necessary assistance to those truly in need, with operational funds raised and donated by society at large and members of the Association.

The Copacabana Silent Auction, held in The Venetian Ballroom, offered some highly desirable items which got the bidding off to a fine start - and even better finish! One lucky guest went home with a signed limited edition lithograph of 'The Courtyard' by Nelson Mandela, one of the world's most distinguished statesmen. An amazing electronics package of Samsung 3D TV D7000, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Samsung Smart Mirror Camera, Samsung Galaxy S Phone and Samsung Notebook R540-JS0B also went under the hammer, as did a signed Michael Jackson 'Thriller' gold disc, the best selling album of all time. A delighted Lady Gaga fan picked up a signed replica gold presentation of 'The Fame'.

Macao celebrities and socialites such as Rita Santos, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Candice Chio, Lok Hei, Lai Ieng, Dirco Fong and Jose Drummond were in high spirits and Carnival mood, demonstrating a generosity that was very mindful of the final recipients of their largesse.

Some 500 guests attended the Copacabana charity ball, entertained by Chic, fronted by Nile Rodgers, perennial Hong Kong favorite Kenny Bee and the irrepressible Beija-flor, World Samba Champions from Rio de Janeiro. While all the performers were a smash hit, Beija-flor proved to be the perfect opening act as delighted guests rushed to photograph them as they sashayed around the dance floor. And once under the strobes, nobody wanted to leave for the rest of the evening.

"The Copacabana Ball was undoubtedly one of the highlights of The Venetian Carnival 2011," said Edward Tracy, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sands China Ltd. "While the Carnival itself attracted thousands of lovers of great dance and music, food and wine, it was heartening to see so many community spirited people supported the Ball, which bodes well for such deserving charities as the Women's General Association of Macau. Sands China Ltd. is as committed as always to support the Macau local community and the Venetian Ball will become an annual occasion to gather those like-minded community spirited people together for a good cause."

With 50% of the 100,000-plus guests passing through Sands China properties every single day being families - plus the success of The Venetian's newly opened Ice World and Venetian Carnival 2011 - Sands China Ltd. is highly optimistic that further unique family-oriented events can only help Macao diversify its burgeoning visitor base.

About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel

The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao's first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat CotaiArena™ designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. Also at The Venetian Macao is an impressive, 1,800-seat ZAiA™ Theater for the spectacular Cirque du Soleil® production; more than 30 renowned restaurants; the MALO CLINIC Health & Wellness, the incredibly fun Qube indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at The Grand Canal Shoppes. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas, a mini golf course and gondola rides at the outdoor lagoon.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Mabel Wu
Tel: +853-8118-2268
Email: mabel.wu@venetian.com.mo