MONOPOLY Celebrates 75th Anniversary by Giving Away the Bank

Whether you choose to be the boot, the Scottie dog or the car when playing the MONOPOLY game, you can always count on collecting $200 when “Passing GO!” But have you ever wished the MONOPOLY money that you collected could be real? If so, you’re not alone!

To celebrate 75 years of buying and selling properties, and paying and collecting rent with play money, MONOPOLY is making the dream a reality and giving away the bank! For 75 days this summer, MONOPOLY is asking its fans to describe what they would do if the money in their MONOPOLY game — which totals $20,580 — were turned into REAL money. Visit www.MONOPOLY.com for details and to enter.

The MONOPOLY “Money Makes it Real” contest begins July 15, 2010 and entries will be accepted until Sept. 3. Entries are to be limited to 75 words or less and should demonstrate a commitment to the spirit of MONOPOLY, such as travel, home repair or any other activity inspired by the history of the game, the Community Chest and Chance cards, the tokens or the game play. Once all entries are collected, participants will invite their friends and family to vote for their entry in an attempt to be one of 75 entrants with the most votes. The 75 entries with the most votes on Sept. 27 will be considered for the grand prize. Prizes vary by country; please review the complete rules for details.

In addition, MONOPOLY will be giving away a bonus game bank ($20,580) to S.O.S. Children’s Villages, a charity organization that builds houses for abandoned and at risk children so that they can grow up in a loving home. For 75 hours from Sept. 27 at Midnight GMT (Sept. 26 at 8:00 p.m. EDT) to Sept. 30 at 02:59:00 GMT (Sept. 29 at 10:59 p.m. EDT), the public can vote for the project they want to see funded. Projects include day care, medical supplies, school fees, seeds for family farms, soccer balls or training courses and more. Learn more at www.sosvillages.org.