News

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 gmhc.aidswalkny.org/GiftforLifeNYNOW25, or contact team co-captains, Caroline Kennedy or Kelly Bristol.

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 1^st 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.