INDIANAPOLIS, Nov 17, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) today announced their 2004 Simon Evening of Giving(TM) -- a festive night of private shopping at 63 Simon malls that benefits local charities and rewards consumers with retailer offers, gifts with purchase, prizes, refreshments and entertainment.

Held annually for over a decade on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving, Simon Evening of Giving raises millions of dollars benefiting some 2,300 charities. Simon Evening of Giving attendees each purchase a ticket from a participating charity (generally $10), 100 percent of which goes to support charities which range from area food banks, to hospitals, to member organizations of the United Way. A portion of the funds raised also supports the Simon Youth Foundation(R), a nonprofit educational organization that assists at-risk students complete their high school degree and even pursue an advanced education. Mall retailers overwhelmingly embrace Simon Evening of Giving, with nearly 100 percent participation.

"This event is a great way for sponsors to join with our shoppers, retailers and our malls to create a memorable holiday event that has such a substantial and positive impact within our communities," said Cathi Weiner, senior vice president of business development with Simon Brand Ventures, the business-to-consumer arm of Simon Property Group.

Joining Simon in this worthy effort are Visa, Cotton Incorporated and American Airlines.

"It's a natural fit," adds Stephen Diamond, vice president, prepaid products, Visa USA. "At this time of year, so many of us are focused on sharing the joy and the spirit of the holidays with friends and family. Our participation in the Simon Evening of Giving helps thank members of the community for giving to deserving organizations."

Consumers purchasing $100 in Simon Giftcards(SM) during the event will receive a silver holiday photo frame from Visa.

Cotton Incorporated invites those who purchase $100 in cotton merchandise during the event to receive a bag of 45 Lindt chocolate truffles.

"A giving theme is the perfect marketing message for this time of year -- it helps us connect with our customers in a meaningful way," said Paula Rosario, senior executive, retail and fashion marketing, Cotton Incorporated.

All Simon Evening of Giving ticket holders at each mall will also get the chance to bid on or win two round-trip tickets to any destination in the continental United States, courtesy of American Airlines. Tickets will be awarded via raffles, door prizes or silent auctions.

"At American Airlines 'We Know Why You Fly' and one of those reasons is to make holiday dreams come true by being together with family and friends. And we're proud to be a part of giving back to the people who help the charitable organizations make a meaningful difference in the community," said Jay Pearson, Manager Sales Promotions, American Airlines.

About Visa

Visa is the world's leading payment brand and largest payment system, enabling banks to provide their consumer and business customers with a wide variety of payment alternatives. Nearly 21,000 financial institutions worldwide rely on Visa's processing system, VisaNet, to facilitate $2.5 trillion in annual transaction volume with virtually 100-percent reliability. Cardholders in more than 150 countries carry more than 1 billion Visa-branded cards, accepted at millions of locations worldwide. Within the United States, nearly 14,000 financial institutions issue 450 million Visa cards, accounting for more than $1.1 trillion in annual transaction volume. Visa offers a trusted, reliable and convenient way to access and mobilize financial resources -- anytime, anywhere, any way. For more information, please visit www.visa.com .

About Cotton Incorporated

Cotton Incorporated, funded by U.S. growers of upland cotton and importers of cotton and cotton textile products, is the research and marketing company representing upland cotton. The Retail Marketing division of Cotton Incorporated develops key partnerships with retailers and executes promotional programs that help influence consumer purchases of cotton products.

About American Airlines

American Airlines is the world's largest carrier. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection regional carriers serve more than 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 3,800 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve more than 575 destinations in 135 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation (NYSE: AMR). AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, AmericanAirlines Vacations, AA Self-Service Check-In, Flight Check-In and Net SAAvers & Special Offers are marks of American Airlines, Inc.

About Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership, development and management of retail real estate, primarily regional malls, Premium Outlet(R) centers and community shopping centers. The Company's current total market capitalization is approximately $34 billion. Through its subsidiary partnerships, it currently owns or has an interest in 299 properties in North America containing an aggregate of 204 million square feet of gross leasable area in 39 states plus Canada and Puerto Rico. Simon also holds interests in 49 European shopping centers in France, Italy, Poland and Portugal and 4 Premium Outlet centers in Japan. Additional Simon Property Group information is available at http://www.simon.com .

About Simon Brand Ventures

Simon Brand Ventures (SBV), Simon's business-to-consumer arm, has pioneered the transformation of shopping malls into a medium where consumer brands can build one-on-one relationships with shoppers who make approximately 2 billion visits to Simon Malls each year. Simon's vast franchise of market- leading shopping centers nationwide provides SBV the foundation to monetize the distribution system through numerous consumer ventures. SBV has engaged in a number of consumer business initiatives, including the Simon Giftcard(TM), launch of Simon platform programs such as Simon Kidgits Club(TM), Simon Super Chefs Live!(TM), Simon DTour Live(TM) and Simon Mall for You(TM), a national media delivery channel including experiential marketing methods, and multiple national and local marketing alliances with Coca-Cola, Visa U.S.A. and Cingular Wireless, among others.

About Simon Youth Foundation

Established in August 1998, the mission of the Simon Youth Foundation is to foster and improve educational opportunities, career development, and life skills for at-risk youth through focused programs and initiatives. To achieve this mission, the Foundation has developed two major initiatives -- Education Resource Centers and the Community Scholarship Program.

SOURCE Simon Property Group, Inc.