Sharon Stone: ‘It’s So Odd Elizabeth Taylor Isn’t Here’
Sept. 26 2011, Published 5:25 a.m. ET
RadarOnline.com Senior News Director
Sharon Stone said it best.
Stone paid tribute to the legendary Dame Elizabeth Taylor Saturday night at Macy’s Passport Glamorama 2011 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. -- both on the red carpet and on stage -- by remarking how “odd” it was that she wasn’t there.
The 29th annual event -- a star-studded affair to raise money for AIDS charities -- kicked off with Stone paying homage to the late Taylor, who worked with Macys for a quarter of a century in the fight against the disease. (Taylor passed away in March of this year).
“I’m very honored to be here tonight.. I feel privileged because I knew Elizabeth Taylor,” Stone said.
“I knew was a great mother she was, what a great grandmother she was, and quite importantly, what a great humanitarian she was. I marvel at the work she did to find a cure and a vaccine for AIDS. She never rested a moment, no matter what she did or where she was in the world, and I got to watch her first hand. I was very proud to know her. I was proud to be her colleague. It’s so astonishing for those of us who are working here tonight to come here and find she’s not here with us. It’s really quite a vacuum…”.
Another highlight of Stone’s appearance was when she introduced on stage Taylor's grandsons Quinn Tivey and Tarquin Wilding, who briefly spoke of their grandmother’s devotion to finding a cure for the disease.
“We’re proud to be here tonight to honor our grandmother. She loved this event and more importantly she deeply loved sharing her message of compassion and hope on behalf of those living with HIV and AIDS,” said Tarquin.
“Our grandmother committed her life’s work to HIV and AIDS and sharing her message with Macy’s Passport whenever could. If she were here with us this evening, she would say we have not won the battle and that our fight must go on. We ask you to please help us continue her legacy and her work with HIV and AIDS. Thank you for honoring her tonight,” added Quinn.
Stone noted that Taylor was Macy’s Passport’s Founding Chair for 25-years, raising more than $29-million for people living with HIV and AIDS.
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Stone then introduced a moving video tribute to the Oscar winning star and tireless AIDS activist, which showed images from Taylor’s legendary film career on a giant screen.
During the evening, American Express President of Merchant Services Kim Goodwin presented a check for $25,000 to Martine Reardon, Macys Executive VP for Marketing; money raised from the event will go to support AIDS Project Los Angeles.
The night’s entertainment included electro-pop quartet Far East Movement and Cee-Lo Green performing a medley of songs, ending with his smash hit, F **k You, much to the delight of the audience who sang along.
Gorgeous Pauley Perrette served as the evening’s host with Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sara Rue and Johnny Weir among the many stars walking the red carpet.
The evening ended with a lavish after party at Cal Mart in downtown L.A.
For more information about upcoming Glamorama events, click here.
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