About Us

HISTORY

Gift for Life was founded in 1992 by a small group of gift industry professionals responding to the tragic loss of friends and colleagues as a result of AIDS. Since then, Gift for Life has raised more than $5M for AIDS research and education, and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. In 2008, Gift for Life selected DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S., as its sole charity partner.

FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

Proceeds from Gift for Life fundraising go directly to DIFFA and donations are tax deductible. Gift for Life takes a three-pronged approach to raising funds:

  • Party for Life annual fundraiser, which features industry awards and silent auction.
  • Industry events held in connection with trade shows across the U.S.
  • Cause Marketing, which allows manufacturers to become involved with product or line donations.
Gift For Life is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors who donate time, energy and resources to help unite the gift and home industries against AIDS. Photo: Gift for Life’s Board of Directors at the 2016 Party for Life.
Proceeds from Gift for Life fundraising go directly to DIFFA and donations are tax deductible. In 2018, DIFFA National granted more than $285,000 to 26 organizations providing treatment, education, prevention and advocacy.

Board of Directors

Cole Daugherty

(Chair)   Dallas Market Center
Ari Lowenstein

Ari Lowenstein

(Vice Chair) MarketTime

CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS

Jump To Letter:

Ari Lowenstein

MarketTime

Cathy Steel

Steel Associates

Cole Daugherty

Dallas Market Center

Doug Self

JDouglas

Jessica Barile

Paddywax

Julie McCallum

Gift Shop Plus

Kim Wahlberg

Kimberly Wahlberg Company

Kimberly Baker

Webmaster, Great American Media Services

Kristi Forbes

41 Madison

Lenise Willis

Gifts & Decorative Accessories

Matt Katzenson

Fine Lines

Monica Loving

Ivystone

Nancy Michael

International Housewares Association

Peter Schauben

Appelman Schauben

Russ Jones

Ivystone

Sarah Mount

Juniper by IMC

Sheila Charton

Springboard Futures