- 65 Shopping Centers Host Largest, Single-Day Community Event in Company History -

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Macerich(R)(NYSE: MAC), one of the nation's largest owners, operators and developers ofregional shopping centers, is 'stepping up' its commitment to makingphilanthropy work for shoppers across the country with the largest, single-daycommunity event in company history, Step Out Step Up.

Events to be held nationwide on Thursday, May 8, 2008, mark the officiallaunch of Macerich's national partnership with Step Up Women's Network, aninnovative membership organization dedicated to strengthening communityresources for women and girls.

'We held focus groups with our shoppers all around the country and welearned that busy women today crave connections with other women, and theyalso want to help others,' said Susan Valentine, Senior Vice President,Marketing for Macerich. 'Through our partnership with Step Up Women'sNetwork, a truly modern, women-focused philanthropy, we are providing freshand interesting opportunities for our shoppers to make a difference in theirlocal communities, and have a good time doing it.'

On May 8, at 65 Macerich shopping centers across the country -- fromQueens Center in New York City to The Oaks in Thousand Oaks, California-- women will participate in a nationwide party to do two things: Assemble30,000 wellness bags for women facing the challenges of cancer and enjoy eachother's company along with food, fashion shows, makeovers and a wide varietyof other fun activities.

The wellness bags are being filled with thoughtful items generouslydonated by retailers, as well as notes of encouragement handwritten by thewomen themselves. The bags will be delivered to more than 70 different cancerorganizations just in time for Mother's Day.

Macerich is building a dynamic, multi-layered partnership with the Step Uporganization that incorporates Macerich employees, shoppers around thecountry, retail partners and local women's organizations.