Yao Ming Foundation to Raffle

I'm spreading the word...

July 2, 2008 (HOUSTON)—NBA All-Star and Olympian Yao Ming is offering a fan and his/her guest the unique opportunity to experience the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“I’m so proud that my country is hosting the 2008 Olympics and I am thrilled that I can help fans visit China, experience the Games and, at the same time, help raise money for the Yao Ming Foundation as we begin our campaign to rebuild schools in the earthquake damaged provinces,” said Yao.

The winner of the raffle will receive:
· Seven days and six nights in Beijing with hotel accommodations from August 7 – August 14 (Single Room, Double Occupancy)
· Round-trip airfare for two from a city with an international airport to Beijing
· Two tickets to the Team China vs. Team USA Olympic Basketball Game
· $1,500 cash stipend for meals and expenses
· A Guided Tour of the Great Wall of China
· Two autographed Yao Ming Houston Rockets jerseys
· Two tickets to a Houston Rockets game in the United States
· A meet and greet with Yao Ming in the United States after a Houston Rockets NBA game
· A cash prize to mitigate the Winner's tax liability

Proceeds from the raffle go to the Yao Ming Foundation, which focuses on rebuilding efforts in China following the recent earthquake. By logging on to http://www.netraffle.org, fans can use their credit cards to purchase $2 tickets (minimum five ticket purchase) for a chance to win an all expenses paid trip to Beijing from August 7 through August 13. The $2 ticket price will decrease with higher quantity ticket purchases. Contestants may enter as often as they wish and there is no limit to the number of tickets purchased. A winner will be selected at the close of the raffle on July 21.

The Yao Ming Foundation’s first mission is to support the rebuilding efforts in China with an emphasis on rebuilding earthquake-resistant, high quality schools. Information on the Yao Ming Foundation can be found at http://www.theyaomingfoundation.com. The Yao Ming Foundation is part of The Giving Back Fund, (http://www.givingback.org), a national nonprofit organization established in 1997 to provide professional philanthropic management and consulting to athletes, entertainers and other high profile individuals. With offices in Boston and Los Angeles, The Giving Back Fund has worked successfully with more than 100 professional athletes, entertainers, and business entrepreneurs, helping them achieve their philanthropic goals. While The Giving Back Fund has developed special expertise in providing philanthropic consulting to athletes and entertainers, its services are available to anyone committed to increasing the impact of their philanthropy.