Style Industry spoke with Larry Hashbarger, director of Special Productions for Macy's West, to find out what it takes to put together this important show and hear some of his thoughts on the industry's role in fighting this deadly disease.

Style Industry: How are funds raised through Passport?
Larry Hashbarger: Funds are raised through sponsorship and ticket sales. Our vendors support the event by purchasing packages that include dinner, show tickets, etc. We also do celebrity live auctions that bring in substantial funds.

The funds are distributed to major HIV/AIDS beneficiaries that are selected in advance of the event. Some of the money goes to the Passport Fund, which makes grants to smaller HIV/AIDS organizations in all the markets we do business, not just San Francisco and Los Angeles (where Passport shows take place). We fund research, education and prevention, and direct care.

SI: How do you think fashion falls into fundraising?
LH: The fashion industry has always been a leader in the battle against HIV/AIDS, in part because so many people in this industry have been lost to this disease. Passport is unique in that it has been raising not only funds, but awareness of the need to continue this fight for a very long time, and the commitment to continue is unwavering.