Gift For Life / NY NOW Partner for 2023 AIDS Walk New York

Furniture World News Desk on 4/24/2023

Gift for Life, the gift and home decor industries’ national charitable organization, and NY NOW are once again fielding a team for AIDS Walk New York, an annual 10K walk raising funds for GMHC. NY NOW has pledged, once again, to match the first $8,000 in donations for the 2023 edition, which will be held on Sunday, May 21, in New York’s Central Park.

“This year marks a change in team leadership for this wonderful life-giving event,” said Caroline Kennedy, Gift For Life/NY NOW team co-captain. “Kelly Bristol joins me as an enthusiastic co-captain. Together, we will continue the strong traditions of fundraising set by our captain emeritus, Su Hilty, who has retired after 10 years of leadership and inspiration.  For 2023, the team has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $40,000… and with the industry’s support, we can do it!”

2023 team co-captain, Bristol adds, "The energy of last year’s AIDS Walk New York was exhilarating. We are excited to join the many other teams again this May for our walk in Central Park. We are also thrilled to have NY NOW as our partner once again and are delighted that our fundraising efforts are kickstarted with its generous $8,000 matching pledge.”

Alana Branston, NY NOW’s Group Vice President of Gift & Home and Gift for Life Board member, remarks, “The whole NY NOW team is thrilled to partner with Gift for Life to support the fundraising efforts of AIDS Walk New York 2023.  It’s been very meaningful for me to join the board of one of our most valued partners, and I couldn't be happier to help raise awareness and funds for such an important cause. In partnership with Gift for Life, we hope to continue in our mission to support charities on both the national and local level in need of support.”

2023 Su Hilty Fundraising Tribute Opportunity

The 2023 event will have a special fundraising connection to Su Hilty, team captain emeritus, who is battling PSP-Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy, a degenerative disease. In recognition of her 10+ years of support for AIDS Walk – both as a participant and team co-captain – Hilty recently was presented Gift for Life’s “Bert Tonkin Gift of Giving Award.”  As a special tribute, industry friends and supporters can submit AIDS Walk NY donations in Hilty’s honor at https://gmhc.aidswalkny.org/suhilty.  

Gift for Life Board Chair, Ari Lowenstein adds, “For more than three decades Gift for Life has raised millions of dollars to support HIV/AIDS research, education, treatment, prevention and advocacy. This year’s AIDS Walk, and our special fundraising tribute for Su Hilty, team captain emeritus, is an especially meaningful continuation of our work. I join many of my fellow GFL board members in participating in this worthy and fun event!” 

Now in its 38th 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 sustaining the prevention, care and advocacy programs - 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 ny.aidswalk.net/Who-Benefits. 

To join the Gift for Life/NY NOW team and fundraise, or to donate, visit https://gmhc.aidswalkny.org/GFLNYNOW, or contact team co-captains, Caroline Kennedy at kebbiekcaroline@gmail.com, or Kelly Bristol at mailto:kelly.p.bristol@gmail.com.

About Gift for Life
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 nearly $6M for AIDS research and education, and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment with charity partners AmfAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research) (1992-2007) and DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (2008-2020). 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. In 2023, the all-volunteer organization will continue to support programs that address hunger relief. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/giftforlife.

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. For more information, visit  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.