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NY NOW® and Gift for Life Join Forces for 2024 AIDS Walk New York
Leading gift & home wholesale event pledges to support and donate to NY-based charity
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 About & Who Benefits – AIDS Walk New York 2024 (aidswalkny.org) 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 Gift for Life/NY NOW’s team fundraising page for AIDS Walk New York.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at NY NOW’s Summer 2024 Market, please visit www.nynow.com and follow @ny_now on social media for timely updates.
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About NY NOW: NY NOW is the largest gift, home, and accessories wholesale trade show in New York, where brands, buyers, and designers come twice per year to make the game-changing connections that supercharge their businesses. NY NOW and online wholesale marketplace partner, Bulletin, connect 5,000+ independent brands with 50,000+ U.S. and international buyers from independent stores, museums, department stores, bookstores, galleries, general gift shop, art & entertainment venues and many more.
With 3 core sections across 35+ product categories, NY NOW encompasses home décor and tableware, gifts, accessories, jewelry, and so much more. Attendees can explore an extensive range of offerings, from stationery, eclectic gifts, and trending home décor to aromatherapy and fragrance, skincare, wellness, and fine jewelry, and even emerging categories such as sexual wellness and cannabis and psychedelics. The show promises the unrivaled thrill of in-person connection and endless discovery, and NY NOW Online, the integrated wholesale platform, makes ordering a breeze for thousands of buyers in attendance. It’s a true hybrid wholesale experience.
About Emerald: Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit http//www.emeraldx.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. More information is available at Home | Gift for Life
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.