CHICAGO, July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GGP (NYSE: [ GGP ]) malls across the country are mobilizing their passion for education, partnering with [ DonorsChoose.org ], an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need, for its Celebrate Schools! philanthropic initiative. The partnership is designed to shine the spotlight on the importance of a quality education and assist local schools and teachers with much-needed supplies and funding.

"Being able to directly impact the quality of a child's education is extremely important. DonorsChoose.org makes it so easy, and tangible, for our malls to help give back to local schools in their respective communities," said Susan Houck, senior vice president, marketing. "The best thing is, no matter what the dollar amount, you know you're helping a school in need."

More than 120 GGP malls kick off its DonorsChoose.org partnership in early September with a matching donation drive. GGP is donating $300,000 to match funds donated by shoppers, doubling the impact of the program. In October, centers nationwide will host Celebrate Schools! with various in-mall charitable events to help raise funds and awareness for schools. All funds raised go directly to the schools for funding/supplies. Activities include student performances, fashion shows, coupon book sales, spelling bees, cheer contests and science fairs.

In addition GGP is giving away $20,000 to one U.S. school that will be nominated by a mall's Club member. The Club membership is free and easy to obtain. Shoppers can join The Club at in-mall signing stations that allow a Club member to sign-up and nominate a local-area elementary or high school for the opportunity to receive a $20,000 award. All eligible, nominated schools will be included in the national drawing.

"Through our partnership with General Growth Properties, we will reach thousands of people from communities all across the country and encourage them to help teachers who are dedicated to educating kids right in their neighborhood," said Charles Best, CEO of DonorsChoose.org. "Tens of thousands of students from every corner of America will receive essential educational materials, art supplies, sports equipment and more to improve their learning experience because of the generosity of GGP."

Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America post requests, and individuals can give directly to the ones that inspire them. To date, 235,000 public and charter school teachers have used DonorsChoose.org to secure $119 million in books, art supplies, technology, and other resources that their students need to learn.

General Growth Properties, Inc. is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on owning, managing, leasing and redeveloping regional malls throughout the United States and Brazil. The Company currently owns, or has an interest in, 150 regional shopping malls comprising approximately 141.7 million square feet of gross leasable area. The Company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol GGP. For further information please visit [ www.GGP.com ].

CONTACT
Lesley Cheers, GGP
312.960.2646
[ Lesley.cheers@ggp.com ]

SOURCE GGP

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GGP Malls Partner with DonorsChoose.org to Celebrate Schools!

GGP Malls Partner with DonorsChoose.org to Celebrate Schools!