New York, NY (April 3, 2024)
Gift for Life, the gift and home decor industries’ sole national charitable organization, and NY NOW are once again fielding a team for AIDS Walk New York 2024, which will be held on Sunday, May 19, in New York’s Central Park to raise funds for GMHC. NY NOW, the largest national gift and home wholesale trade show, is proud to announce its continued support for HIV/AIDS care with a commitment to match the first $5,000 in donations.
“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, but with the help of our colleagues, friends and families, we hope to surpass that number to reach a level of giving equal to, or higher than, our 2023 figure, all of which goes to help support the HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy programs that the GMHC provides for the thousands of individuals affected by the disease in the tri-state area. The $5,000 donation match from NY NOW is an important and welcome impetus that helps us jump start our fundraising efforts.”
Team co-captain and Gift for Life Board member, Kelly Bristol adds, “Participating in AIDS Walk New York is always exhilarating as we gather in Central Park, but a team member does not have to walk with us in the park. Team members can participate ‘virtually’ by fundraising in support of the event, joining the weekly online strategy meetings online with other team members, and even walk along with us from wherever they are on May 19. In 2023, several of our 18 team members participated virtually and contributed to our fundraising success. Along with Caroline and myself, current Team members include NY NOW’s Amy Loewenberg, Karalynn Sprouse, Kate Duff, Sandra Kehoe, and Matthew Mathiasen; Angela Schmook of Roadrunners Inc.; Matt Katzenson of Fine Lines Company; Sally Fisher of JacMax Industries; and friend Bill McCue, with some former participants planning to join. We also welcome new participants.”
Kim Mancuso-Telford, General Manager of NY NOW and Gift for Life Board member, remarks“NY NOW is excited to again partner with Gift for Life and jumpstart the Gift for Life/ NY NOW AIDS Walk team fundraising efforts with a donation matching the first $5,000 raised. 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. Together, we’re making a difference, one step at a time.”
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 this About page or contact team co-captains, Caroline Kennedy or Kelly Bristol. To join the Gift for Life/NY NOW team and fundraise, or to donate, visit our team fundraising page.
Daniel Quintanilla
