Funds donated to support Macau Ecological Society
(Macao, May 26, 2012) - The Mardi Gras Costume Charity Ball, one of the highlight events of the three-day Venetian Carnival 2012, was successfully held Saturday, with over 1,000 guests, including Macao government officials, celebrities, business partners and community initiative supporters, giving applause and compliment to the vibrant sounds and living colour of the Mardi Gras theme, as well as the fantastic entertainment line-up and delicious gourmet food at the event. In its continuous effort toward supporting local organizations and environmental conservation, Sands China Ltd. this year helped the Macau Ecological Society to raise funds at the Charity Ball. The total amount of money donated to the organisation will be announced at a later time. Supported by Macau Government Tourist Office, The Venetian Carnival, run between May 25 and May 27, features a New Orleans Mardi Gras theme that brings alive the vibrant sounds, exotic food and colourful party spirit of the U.S. city to the guests at The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel. The Mardi Gras Costume Charity Ball, the social high point of the Carnival, gave the participants a night of exciting entertainment, dancing, elegant masks and beautiful dresses, irresistible food and free-flowing wine Saturday.
And last but not least, no Mardi Gras would be complete without lots and lots of colourful beads. Some of New Orleans' finest musicians were also on stage, led by The Nevilles, one of the biggest names in rhythm and blues. Other special performers were The Michael Foster Brass Band, generating the pumping energy of jazz, Funky Deep and percussionist Noise Ensemble. Over 100 tables were set up at the Venetian Ballroom, seated with participants in their own unique and fabulous Mardi Gras costume or in black tie.
Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd. said at the opening of the Charity Ball, "The Venetian Carnival is a great example of our commitment to the diversification of Macao by bringing international mega-events to the city. It's also a testament to Sands China's firm commitment to the Macao community. Tonight's Charity Ball, through your sponsorships and charity auction, will make all the difference to the work of the Macau Ecological Society. Sands China Ltd. is proud to support the work of the Macau Ecological Society and to acknowledge its dedication to environmental protection, research and education." Sands China has always been devoted to its ongoing commitment in promoting property-wide initiatives toward environmental conservation and also in supporting local organisations. The Macau Ecological Society has been chosen to be the beneficiary of the Charity Ball, since its passion for preserving the environment is closely aligned with Las Vegas Sands Corp.'s Sands Eco 360° global sustainability programme, with the objective to care for and preserve the environment.
The funds raised at the Charity Ball will be used by the Macau Ecological Society to set up and manage the Sands China Green Fund, with the goal to promote environmental conservation at local schools and offer scholarships to local students. Chairman of the Macau Ecological Society, Ho Wai Tim, said, "We're very honoured to be the beneficiary of the Mardi Gras Costume Charity Ball. We will use the Sands China Green Fund to cultivate local talent in environmental management. The establishment of the fund has also demonstrated Sands China's tremendous effort in supporting Macao's green initiatives and corporate social responsibility. Thanks to all who are present this evening for supporting environmental conservation." The money donated to the Macau Ecological Society was raised through a charity auction and a raffle draw, as well as Sands China's donation of ten per cent of table sales. To maximise the fundraising potential of the event, Sands China Ltd. also matched dollar-for-dollar all funds raised at the Charity Ball. The Charity Ball was brought to a climax when the charity auction began, with participants actively bidding on their favourite collector's items. Items that were put on auction included a hand-signed Fender guitar by the "King of Blues" BB King, photographs autographed by China's 2011 French Open champion Li Na, a pair of golden Puma running spikes signed by Beijing Olympics triple gold medal winner Usain Page Bolt, a replica of the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch, and also photographs signed by the legendary Chinese pianist Lang Lang.
Photo caption: Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd., gives his opening remarks at The Venetian Carnival Mardi Gras Costume Charity Ball at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel Saturday.
Photo caption: A variety of valuable collector's items are put up for the charity auction as one of the ways to help raise funds for the Macau Ecological Society, at The Venetian Carnival Mardi Gras Costume Charity Ball at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel Saturday.
Photo caption: Funky Deep's performance at The Venetian Carnival Mardi Gras Costume Charity Ball garners applause from the participants.
Photo caption: Over 1,000 guests joined The Venetian Carnival Mardi Gras Costume Charity Ball at The Venetian Macao Saturday, where they enjoyed fantastic entertainment, delicious food, free-flowing wine and the colourful and vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans Mardi Gras.
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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. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; 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 and a mini-golf course.