April 1, 2024 — Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led, national charitable organization, and NY NOW are once again fielding a team for AIDS Walk New York, the largest single-day AIDS fundraising event in the world, on Sunday, May 19, in New York’s Central Park. NY NOW has pledged to match the first $5,000 in donations raised by the team for the 2024 edition, with all proceeds benefitting GMHC’s HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy programs.
“In 2023, the Gift for Life/NY NOW team exceeded its fundraising goal by raising more than $50,000,” said Caroline Kennedy, Gift for Life/NY NOW team co-captain. “Our fundraising goal for 2024 is set at $40,000, and we are already well on our way with $15,000+ in donations. With the help of our colleagues, friends and families, we hope not only to reach but exceed last year’s results. The $5,000 donation match from NY NOW is an important and welcome impetus that helps us jump start our fundraising efforts.”
“AIDS Walk New York is exciting and fun, whether gathering in Central Park or virtually,” said Kelly Bristol, Gift for Life/NY NOW team co-captain. “Our team meets regularly to discuss fundraising strategies and progress towards our goal. We’re hoping that our 2023 team members all will continue, and we welcome new participants as well!”
Along with team co-captains, Bristol and Kennedy, current Team members include four members of NY NOW: Kristen Brady, Sandra Kehoe, Amy Loewenberg and Matt Mathiason; plus Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting; former team co-captain Su Hilty; Matt Katzenson of Fine Lines; Ari Lowenstein of Ari's Pantry; Angela Schmook of Roadrunners Inc. and her family; Karalynn Sprouse of EmeraldX; and friends Bill McCue and Carl Walsh.
To join the Gift for Life/NY NOW Team, or to donate, visit https://gmhc.aidswalkny.org/GiftforLifeNYNOW24, or contact team co-captains, Caroline Kennedy at kebbiekcaroline@gmail.com, or Kelly Bristol at kelly.p.bristol@gmail.com.
Kim Mancuso-Telford, General Manager of NY NOW and Gift for Life Board member, remarks, "NY NOW is excited to partner again with Gift for Life and jumpstart the Gift for Life/ NY NOW AIDS Walk team fundraising efforts with our $5,000 matching grant. We carry on this tradition of NY NOW’s support of this important event that helps so many. It's an honor to be part of Gift for Life and contribute to its meaningful work, both locally and nationally.”
Now in its 39th year, AIDS Walk New York has inspired nearly 890,000 people to walk and millions more to donate, raising nearly $155 million to combat HIV and AIDS. The funds raised at the event remain a vital lifeline that the GMHC provides for the thousands of individuals affected by the disease in the tri-state area. The proceeds also benefit dozens of other HIV/AIDS service organizations that are able to participate as teams and raise funds through the Community Partnership Program (CPP). For more information, visit About & Who Benefits - AIDS Walk New York 2024 (aidswalkny.org).
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben 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, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on supporting World Central Kitchen’s COVID-related hunger relief. Since that time, Gift for Life has led gift and home industry efforts to fund provision of nearly 100,000 hot, nutritious meals to communities impacted by crisis and conflict worldwide. Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led national charitable organization, continues to support year-round programs that address hunger relief, as well as annual support for AIDS Walk NY which benefits GMHC’s HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and advocacy programs. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org
ABOUT NY NOW:Today’s wholesale market for tomorrow’s retail world. Rich with diverse products for discerning retailers, museum stores and specialty buyers. Where artisans meet designers, celebrate creativity and tell their stories. Where eclectic products shine, from home style to fashion statements, from amazing accessories to the perfect gift. Twice a year in New York City, America’s design capital. NY NOW is the best platform to build brand exposure, generate leads and write orders.www.nynow.com
ABOUT AIDS Walk New York and GMHC
AIDS Walk New York is the largest single-day AIDS fundraising event in the world. In its over 30 years, the event has inspired nearly 890,000 people to walk and millions more to donate, raising nearly $155 million to combat HIV and AIDS. The funds raised at the event benefit GMHC, a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported, and community-based organization which provides prevention and care services to individuals living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City. GMHC advocates for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide. For information, visit https://gmhc.aidswalkny.org and gmhc.org.