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Gift for Life is launching a new text-to-give campaign as part of NY NOW’s first-ever Digital Market, Oct. 3-7, 2020.  All donations will benefit SAGE, the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders.

“We are proud to partner with NY NOW to make aging better for LGBT people nationwide – whether through fundraising for HIV advocacy, long-term healthcare, housing and more,” said Matthew Katzenson, Gift for Life chair. “Our text-to-give partnership with NY NOW’s Digital Market will help SAGE to combat ageism and ensure equality to the opportunities deserved by all LGBT older people.”

Building off the momentum of the Stonewall uprising and the emerging LGBT civil rights movement, a group of activists came together in 1978 to ensure that LGBT older people could age with respect and dignity. SAGE offers innovative services and programs to LGBT older people throughout New York City and nationwide through its affiliate network, SAGENet. From arts and culture, to health and wellness and more, SAGE’s innovative services and programs support thousands of LGBT older people in communities around the country. On a national level, SAGE also trains aging providers, develops consumer resources, and advocates for public policies to support LGBT older people.

Suggested donations and initiatives funded at each level are: $40 provides monthly transportation to a weekly HIV Support Group; $80 funds a session with a Licensed Social Worker; $120 feeds an LGBT older adult for one month; $250 provides technology to a homebound LGBT older adult; and $500 supports a bi-monthly gathering of HIV-positive older adults. To donate, text GFLSAGE to 44-321, or visit https://tinyurl.com/GFLNYNOW.

“NY NOW is delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with Gift for Life and DIFFA as we launch our inaugural Digital Market,” said Tim Hart, Senior Vice President of the Retail Group at Emerald. “In this instance, we are very pleased to be able to use our platform and community reach to support SAGE in their quest for equality for LGBT elders. SAGE offers a variety of services and programs that provide great value to New York City, particularly during the challenges 2020 has presented to the city and in particular its marginalized groups.”

The NY NOW Digital Market platform will harness the power of AI to create customized, intuitive networking experiences and matchmaking opportunities for brands and retailers alike. The NY NOW Digital Market will open on October 3 with five Live Show Days of experiences, including talks, awards, product demonstrations and workshops. It will remain open as an always-on interactive platform and lead generation tool for buyers and brands to connect and do business. Visit www.nynow.com for more information.

Gift for Life unites the gift and home industries against AIDS with nearly $6 million raised since its inception in 1992. In 2008, Gift for Life selected DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S., as its main charity partner. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $47 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide. For more information, visit www.giftforlife.org.