April 15, 2025 – 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 18, in New York’s Central Park. NY NOW again has pledged to match the first $5,000 in donations raised by the team for the 2025 edition, with all proceeds benefitting GMHC’s HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy programs.
“This is the 40th year of AIDS Walk New York and the Gift for Life/NY NOW team has again set a goal of raising a minimum of $40,000 in support of this important event,” said Caroline Kennedy, Gift for Life/NY NOW team co-captain. “With the reduction of government funding for many programs, the money that we raise is more important than ever to ensure the continued care and support for those affected by HIV/AIDS.”
Gift for Life/NY NOW team co-captain, Kelly Bristol, added, “AIDS Walk New York is exciting and fun, whether gathering in Central Park or virtually, and we encourage others to join our team and help in our fundraising effort.”
Along with team co-captains, Bristol and Kennedy, current Team members include NY NOW’s Amy Loewenberg and Matt Mathiason; Matt Katzenson of Fine Lines; and friends Sally Fisher and Bill McCue.
To join the Gift for Life/NY NOW Team, or to donate, visit https://gmhc.aidswalkny.org/GiftforLifeNYNOW25, or contact team co-captains, Caroline Kennedy at kebbiekcaroline@gmail.com, or Kelly Bristol at kelly.p.bristol@gmail.com.
NY NOW Pledge $5,000 Matching Donation
For the fifth consecutive year, NY NOW’s $5,000 donation match serves as an important catalyst to team fundraising and an impetus to individual team members’ fundraising efforts.
“NY NOW is thrilled to once again join forces with Gift for Life, proudly kickstarting the fundraising efforts for the Gift for Life/NY NOW AIDS Walk team with a $5,000 matching donation,” said Matthew Mathiasen, NY NOW Event Director. “This partnership continues NY NOW’s long-standing commitment to support this vital event, which positively impacts so many lives. We are truly honored to contribute to the meaningful work of Gift for Life, both within our local communities and across the nation.”
Amy Loewenberg, NY NOW Buyer Relations Director, and Gift for Life 1st Vice Chair, said, “Supporting HIV/AIDS research has been a cause close to my heart for years, and I was incredibly happy to align NY NOW in these efforts. HIV/AIDS research was the foundation on which Gift for Life was built, and now as a Gift for Life board member, this work holds even deeper meaning.”
Now in its 40th year, AIDS Walk New York has inspired nearly 890,000 people to walk and millions more to donate, raising nearly $170 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 GMHCAIDS Walk New York is the largest single-day AIDS fundraising event in the world. In its 40 years, the event has inspired nearly 890,000 people to walk and millions more to donate, raising nearly $170 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 www.gmhc.aidswalkny.org and www.gmhc.org.
