This is a very special year for Macy's. In September we commemorate our 30th anniversary of Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama, the annual fashion show gala that raises crucial dollars and awareness for the fight against HIV/AIDS. What began as a men's fashion show in our employee cafeteria in 1982, a year after the AIDS virus was discovered, has grown into one of the largest and longest-running HIV/AIDS fundraising events of its kind.
Macy's is proud to be one of the first companies in the U.S. to recognize the need for AIDS fundraising and shine a light on the epidemic. Our 30-year journey has been filled with hope and promise, and we would not be where we are today without the support of many.
We owe a great deal of gratitude to all our sponsors, partners, and supporters along the way, and most importantly to our founding chair, the great Dame Elizabeth Taylor, a tireless AIDS activist whose involvement raised the event and the cause to international levels of awareness.
I am privileged to have known Elizabeth since the start of our partnership, and to have been able to watch firsthand her passion and commitment that galvanized the cause.
Every year, regardless of her travels or health, Elizabeth would grace our stage at Passport Presents Glamorama with her awe-inspiring presence and moving calls to action. She knew she was speaking to an audience bigger than the one in the theater; she knew she was speaking to the world, and that her message was important to millions. She would deliver her missive that the HIV/AIDS crisis isn't over, and that we all have to roll up our sleeves and help.
Her goal: to inspire others to do something, anything, to support the cause and those affected, whether it's through sharing a smile (especially in the early days, when there were still so many unknowns), volunteering time, or donating dollars. She inspired many along the way, including us. We miss her dearly, and Macy's is honored to continue her fight and ensure that her legacy lives on.
Another generous partner to whom we owe a great deal of gratitude is devoted AIDS activist Sharon Stone, who has been an integral part of Passport for over a decade with her compassionate messages and incredible auctioneer knowhow. Notably one of the best charity auctioneers in the world, Sharon has helped the cause countless times by inspiring audiences to open their hearts and wallets -- oftentimes before they even realize it's happening.
We are honored to be associated with these two shining examples of generosity, kindness, and perseverance, and proud to commemorate our last 30 years -- and over $30 million raised to date -- this fall. We continue to look to the promise of a future in a world without AIDS, and hope that others continue to be inspired by Elizabeth's message of love and compassion.
Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama will be held in Los Angeles on Sept. 7, and in San Francisco on Sept. 14. R&B singer-songwriter Robin Thicke headlines this year's show, with a performance by pop duo Karmin and the best of fall fashion -- and of course a great after-party. The event will once again benefit our longstanding partners AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food in Los Angeles and AIDS Emergency Fund, Glide Foundation, and Project Open Hand in San Francisco.