There was no need for a passport to enter the 24th Annual Macy’s Passport event–all you needed was a checkbook and a lot of heart.
The gala, which took place at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, benefited AIDS/HIV research via an auction and highly-anticipated fashion show. Over the years, the event has raised over twenty-two million dollars. (Funds benefit such projects as Macy’s Center for Creative Therapy through the UCSF AIDS Research Institute, Project Open Hand, and Project Angel Food.) This evening did not disappoint. Actress and annual auctioneer Sharon Stone was on hand to make sure of that.
The show opened with introductions from Good Day LA’s hosts, including Jillian Barberie who announced, “There are some really pretty people back there including Sharon Stone.” She went on to admit, “She’ll make you write checks before you even know its happening.” And with that, Stone took center stage and didn’t disappoint.
The Auction
Wearing a sheer black dress, Stone told the audience, “Many of you have bought the clothes off my back in the past. This is a Vintage Gucci. And it might be for sale by the end of the evening because if I don’t make my quota, there is no stopping.”
Before the auction was underway, Stone revealed her game plan: “We’re going to have fun. We’re going to do a great thing for good people. We’re going to do it because we’re full of love. We’re full of joy. And we know why we’re here. Not just in this room, but here in this world. We’re here because we’re here to learn to love.”
The first items auctioned off included Movado Fiero His & Her Watches. When an attractive male took the stage to model the item, Stone instructed, “Hold that arm up. No higher. Now put it down.” Before the model could contest (but why would he?) his arm was around Stone. She laughed, “Yeah baby, that’s what I’m talking about.”
Stone kept her comedic timing by calling out one fickle attendee, “Are you fanning or bidding? Don’t fool with me. You’re cute, but don’t flake out.” The item finally sold for $4,000.
There were a number of Stone quotables including the classic, “Shhhh. If you’re talking, you’re bidding baby.” However, the highlight came when Stone created a bidding war between a male and female on opposite sites of stadium. She strutted back and forth, along the catwalk, until she got a suitable price for the “Rockstar Party” package, which included a guitar signed by Carlos Santana. With the guitar in hand, Stone provocatively asked, “Would you like to touch it? I’ll hold it for you.” She coaxed the second, female, bidder by sitting on her lap. Stone cooed, “What’s your name, miss?” (The answer: Charlie.) Upon learning it was Charlie’s birthday, Stone strum the guitar and began singing “Happy Birthday.” Finally she demanded, “Where are we here, Charlie? Are we bidding?” With that, the guitar sold to leather jacket clad (and bright red) Charlie for $14,000.
Stone ended the evening with her “favorite item,” a package entitled “Make Children’s Dreams Come True with Project Angel Food.” At $2,000, the package promised to send fifty children (affected by the HIV virus) and their families to Disneyland. Stone announced, “I’m going to be the first one to give $2,000 and send 50 kids to Disneyland.”
She challenged, “If any of the rest of you would like to give $2,000, come on down and step onto the stage with me. Let’s see how many kids we can send!” With the help of actress Nia Vardalos, designer Randolph Duke, and a number of anonymous donors, a total of 14,050 children would be sent to Disneyland.
Stone‘s reputation for putting people in the hot seat preceded her. Friends and celebrity attendees were prepared. Friend and designer Randolph Duke admitted, “Sharon is good at getting people to step up and put their pocketbook where their heart is. She’s ballsy! You’ve got to be to do this kind of work!”
More Star Power
The show was far from over. Brooke Shields introduced Macy’s Passport’s founding chair. She announced, “The woman I’m about to introduce I have known and respected for many years. I was thrilled to be asked to introduce her. She’s talented. She’s devoted and inspirational. I’ve always admired her work and hoped… some day… to maybe… steal her jewelry. Seriously though, she’s truly a living legend and national treasure. In addition to all her accomplishments on stage and screen, and in business, she has dedicated her life to the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
With that, Dame Elizabeth Taylor took the stage from her wheelchair. She stood briefly to take a bow, and then spoke: “I’ve missed a couple years because of my back, but I’m back!”
Taylor urged, “The one simple thing we can do to protect the future of our children–the children of the world–is to speak up and out. Speak out about HIV and AIDS! Talk to all the young people you know. Even if you think they know about it. Even if they think they know about it. Talk. Keep talking. Talking with a young person about HIV is like telling them you love them. You can never say enough.”
The Fashion Show
The evening concluded with a fashion show including lines from Sean John (and a brief P. Diddy appearance), American Rag, the Academy of Art University’s student designers and Heatherette.
In previous years, celebrities have acted as guest models during the show. Red carpet attendees had advice for those brave enough to walk the catwalk. Richie Rich of Heatherette suggested, “If you exude confidence and act like you know what you’re doing, people will follow you. It’s the story of my life.”
Jasmine Guy offered, “Don’t fall! If you fall, get back up. I think that’s the most self-conscious experience. I’d much rather be dancing.”
Randolph Duke put it best: “Don’t worry too much about trying to look like Giselle because there’s only one Giselle. It’s all about being yourself! A big smile always works wonders. You think of models as not smiling. I think a big smile at the end of the runway will win the crowd over.”
At the end of it all, Macy’s Passport isn’t about the fashion show; it’s about the message and the money raised. With Elizabeth Taylor and Sharon Stone’s assistance, Macy’s Passport was the ticket to accomplishing just that.
