News

Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ charitable organization, announced that its Party for Life fundraiser raised $200,000 for AIDS treatment and prevention.  The 24th annual event, which benefitted Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA), drew record-breaking more than 500 attendees to The Boathouse in New York City’s Central Park on Monday, February 1.

The Party for Life featured numerous NYC-themed food stations, multiple bars and a short program honoring three industry leaders. Howard Henschel, president and CEO of The Norman Group, was awarded with the Chuck Yancy Lifetime Achievement Award; Suzy Batiz, creator and CEO of Poo-Pourri, was the recipient of the Norman Glassberg Trailblazer Award; and Arun Agarwal, CEO and director of Nextt, took home the Bert Tonkin Gift of Giving Award.

“Gift for Life is ecstatic at the amazing turnout for Party for Life and the success of our 2016 fundraising efforts,” said Frank Joens, Gift for Life’s chair. “This year’s group of award recipients are such a wonderful trio and are truly some of the most deserving business people in our industry. They have been extremely generous to Gift For Life in both donations and industry support. I was truly honored to be a part of recognizing their outstanding contributions.”

In addition to recognizing industry honorees, guests competed for a wide array of prizes at silent auctions including a wide variety of items including luxury experiences such as a 7-night stay at St. James’ Club in Antigua, a VIP wine tasting and tour at the Alexander Valley Vineyards and Broadway ticket and hotel packages, as well as unique gift and home décor products donated by 30+ leading suppliers.

Each year, Gift for Life hosts events throughout the U.S. benefitting DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA). The primary mission of Gift for Life and DIFFA is to eradicate the AIDS pandemic in the U.S. Working together, Gift for Life and DIFFA will continue to raise funds for HIV/AIDS service and education programs.