Sharon Stone to Deliver Opening Address for Founding Chair Elizabeth Taylor at Macy's Passport Gala.

SAN FRANCISCO--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Sept. 9, 1999--

Macy's Passport founding chair Elizabeth Taylor has asked actress Sharon Stone, chairman of AMFAR's Campaign for AIDS Research, to present her opening remarks at the Opening Night Gala of Macy's Passport '99 "Extreme" Thursday, September 16.

Regretfully, Ms. Taylor is unable to attend this year's Passport fashion fund-raiser, due to a compression fracture of the twelfth thoracic vertebra. "I'm very grateful to Sharon Stone for bringing the message that the fight against HIV/AIDS is still not won," said Taylor, who has made Passport one of the most successful HIV/AIDS fund-raisers in the nation, and brings the world her much anticipated message of compassion, determination, and hope through this unique annual event.

Macy's Passport is presented by American Express in San Francisco from September 15 through 17 and, with American Express as title sponsor, in Los Angeles September 25.

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) is one of the beneficiaries of the Passport events. ETAF was established by Elizabeth Taylor to raise funds for support services for people with HIV/AIDS, and for prevention education for populations most in need. ETAF operates at zero overhead cost, with Ms. Taylor personally underwriting all ETAF administrative costs. Therefore, every cent donated directly to ETAF goes directly to organizations which put ETAF funds to use serving people with HIV/AIDS or prevention information/activities. ETAF has distributed over $8 million to organizations around the world.

"Passport's commitment to the fight against AIDS is a clear example that if we all work together we can make a difference. With the millennium approaching, we realize that this is no time for complacency. We all must work harder to find a cure," Taylor stated.

Sharon Stone, herself a tireless HIV/AIDS activist, will do double duty at this year's Passport - graciously agreeing to deliver Elizabeth Taylor's address on Opening Night and then returning to co-host a live auction with Earvin "Magic" Johnson which will benefit the Magic Johnson AIDS Foundation at the American Express Evening of Passport on Friday, September 17.

"I consider it a great honor to represent this remarkable woman, artist and humanitarian. Elizabeth Taylor is an inspiration and guiding light to all of us who are fighting to bring an end to HIV/AIDS," said Stone. "I am also delighted to support the incredible work of Earvin 'Magic' Johnson through the Magic Johnson AIDS Foundation which brings HIV/AIDS programs and education to underserved communities in the inner city."

Since 1988, and including this year, Macy's Passport has raised more than $10,000,000 for HIV/AIDS education, prevention, research and care. The annual Passport events are always a sell-out, however there are a still few tickets available for the American Express Evening, featuring Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Sharon Stone on Friday, September 17 at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.

For more information call 1-877-ETM-4MACYS or visit www.etm.com.