Gift for Life

GFL/NSS team ranks 5th for AIDS Walk NY

Fifth place…headed toward the top, if you help out.

Of the business-based teams participating in the May 19th “AIDS Walk New York,” the Gift for Life/National Stationery Show team ranks 5th, which is Pretty. Darn. Cool.

But still not good enough. We want to be 1st. Numero Uno. The Big Kahuna. Mambo Supporters of the Cause.

To make things all that much sweeter, DIFFA has agreed to match up to $5,000 of the funds we raise, by way of a grant. How cool is that?

It’s easy to participate, whether you’re planning to walk the park, walk the Javits aisles, or donate without as much as lacing your tennies. Click here for info—we’d love to see you there!

Click here to download the press release announcing DIFFA’s matching funds pledge.

A child’s been cured…what next?

From amfAR:

News of the first child to be cured of HIV reverberated around the world when it was announced by amfAR-funded researchers in Atlanta on March 3rd. “We are proud to have played a leading role in bringing this first pediatric HIV cure to light,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. amfAR Vice President and Director of Research, Dr. Rowena Johnston, joined Frost for a live webinar on March 15 to explain the details and likely ramifications of this landmark case.

This is a game changer, folks. Click here to view the webinar video online.

Umbra supports GFL with Little Red Dress

Color us happy (and red), thanks to Umbra.

The contemporary home design company just announced an addition to their successful Little Black Dress family of jewelry organizers—Little Red Dress, designed by Umbra’s Director of Design, Matt Carr. Similar to its “big sisters,” Little Red Dress provides 39 clear pockets on the front, plus 24 hook and loop closures on the back, for storing everything from twinkling earrings to dangling bangles. The hanger swivels 360° for easy viewing in a closet or over a door.

The best part?

Les Mandelbaum and Paul Rowan, co-founders of Umbra, announced that a portion of Little Red Dress sales will benefit Gift for Life, supporting our ongoing mission of HIV/AIDS prevention and education.

“Umbra’s stylish products are matched by a tremendously generous spirit. We are pleased to partner with them in order to support HIV/AIDS education and care across the U.S.,” said Stu Teller, GFL Chair.

Little Red Dress will be available for purchase, both online and at brick and mortar retail stores, beginning April 22, 2013…just in time for Mother’s Day gift giving (hint, hint).

Last July, GFL honored Umbra and its co-founders with the prestigious Industry Achievement Award, recognizing their vision, dedication to design excellence, and invaluable contributions to the industry. Today, we thank them profusely for continuing to fight the good fight, along with us.

To download the official press release, click here.

Not planning to be in NY for the big AIDS Walk?

No problem. You can still have an impact, by donating to the GFL/NSS team. Click here to donate, knowing you’ve made a difference.

(What? You say you will be in New York on May 19th and want to join the fun? Well then, click here instead.)

What’s this?

Curious about what this QR code points to? Zap it with your smart phone and find out (even works if you’re viewing it on Facebook or LinkedIn).

Lace ‘em up, folks. Time to move.

HIV can find you…anywhere

Is the risk of HIV/AIDS real? Sure it is. In spite of the strides we’ve made, it’s still possible for even the most cautious person to face possible exposure. From CBS News this morning:

Health officials said Thursday that thousands of patients of an Oklahoma oral surgeon should undergo testing for HIV and hepatitis after officials looking into the source of a patient’s viruses discovered the dentist’s instruments weren’t being cleaned properly.

To read the full story, click here.

And…we’re…off!

AIDS Walk NY is less than two months away.

The National Stationery Show (NSS) is less than two months away.

What’s that mean?

It’s time to sign up for the Virtual AIDS Walk at the Javits as part of the GFL/NSS team!

Last year, hopeful participants were stuck in a tight spot. Sure, they wanted to participate in the world’s largest AIDS fundraising event, but they needed to be at the Javits when the Stationery Show opened—the reason most of them had come to New York.

This year, there’s a solution. Welcome to the virtual AIDS Walk NY, held in the NSS aisles.

To get started, register as a member here, then click “Join Our Team.” Once registered, you can personalize your unique participant page, then start gathering donations from friends, family, and colleagues (using easy templates provided on the website).

Know of someone else who’d like to participate in the Walk (either through Central Park or through Javits)? Have them visit the link above, or contact Cathy Steel via email.

Pontiff’s record offers new hope for HIV/AIDS ministry

Sister Mary Muldowney works the residence hall of the San Antonio AIDS Foundation like a mother hen tending to her chicks.

This has been her ritual — Mondays and Thursdays for the past decade.

She knows most patients by name. They know her voice, a cheery Irish brogue, when she playfully calls them “rascals” and wields a cart of bananas, oranges and grapes to dole out.

Seated bedside in their rooms, she rests her palm on their arms and shoulders. An 84-year-old retiree from Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Muldowney always presses for updates on their wellbeing.

“This is my mama in God’s eyes,” said Joe Exon, a resident in his fourth year of living with AIDS. “I don’t care how down I am. Like right now, just by touching her, she takes the pain away. She has an aura.”

Such outreach to the HIV/AIDS community found hope for new advocacy, possibly a new era of ministry, with the election of Pope Francis.

Read the full story here.

Source: mysanantonio.com

HHS seeks nominations to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS

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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) is seeking nominations of qualified individuals to be considered for appointment as members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA).

The PACHA is a Federal advisory committee that provides advice, information, and recommendations to the Secretary regarding programs and policies intended to promote effective prevention of HIV disease, and to advance research on HIV and AIDS. The White House asks PACHA to provide, on an ongoing basis, recommendations on how to effectively implement the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and to monitor the Strategy’s implementation. The functions of the Council are solely advisory in nature.

Read the full story here.

Source: AIDS.gov

New year, new roles, new faces at GFL

Please join the GFL Board of Directors in a couple of congrats and a couple of warm welcomes:

New Chair: Stu Teller (pictured)
Previously serving as our Vice Chair, Stu’s the managing partner of Right Angle Strategies, a business development services company, with more than 30 years of experience in the gift, home décor, and collegiate industries including senior executive positions with OneCoast and Madco.

“I am excited and motivated to serve as Chair of Gift For Life,” said Teller, who previously served as the Board’s Vice Chair. “I have been involved with Gift For Life for more than 20 years and it’s very important to support the organization and the great work it has done.” He added: “Thanks go to Leslie Nathan-Street for her service; she has been an amazing Chairperson and has guided Gift for Life through two of its best years.”

New Vice Chair: Frank Joens
Frank is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the LA Mart, offering a long history in the gift and home industry, beginning 28 years ago with Russ Berrie & Company. In 2001, he joined Los Angeles’ LA Mart as Director of Marketing then progressed to VP of Leasing, then recently appointed General Manager.

New GFL Board members:
Recently joining the board are two industry veterans, bringing the total number of board members to 29.

Marc Blackwell, American designer, creates and produces his own line of bespoke American home product and creates exquisite retail, home, and event experiences. Marc also serves on the board of DIFFA: Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS.
Matthew Katzenson is founder and CEO of Fine Lines Company, a leading multi-line rep agency based in the southwest US.

Thanks to Stu, Frank, Marc, and Matthew for their dedication to the cause, and enthusiasm for what’s ahead.

Click here to download the official press release.

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