Who We Are
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben of Schauben & Co in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal.
Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations.
In 2021, with COVID-19 temporarily causing cancelation of in-person events at industry markets, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on COVID-related hunger relief. Currently, the all-volunteer organization continues to support programs that address hunger relief, in addition to HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and assistance.
Our Executive Leadership Team
Board Members
The Gift for Life Board is comprised of recognized leaders in the gift, home and stationery industries.
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Jessica Barile of Design Works Collective
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Kelly Bristol of Just Got 2 Have It
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Sheila Charton of Zafferano America
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Randa Crisler of The Portico Collection, Inc.
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Cole Daugherty of Dallas Market Center
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Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting
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Emalee Hoffman of CMA Gifts
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Angela Jacobson
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Russ Jones of Ivystone
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Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW at Emerald X
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Ari Lowenstein of Emergent Workshop/Ari’s Pantry
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Julie McCallum of Gift Shop Plus
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Kim Mancuso-Telford of NY NOW
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Landon Metts of MarketTime
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Sarah Mount of ANDMORE
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Peter Schauben of Schauben & Co.
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Angela Schmook of Road Runners
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Cathy Steel of Steel Associates
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Lenise Willis of Gifts & Decorative Accessories