For the seventh consecutive year, Gift for Life (GFL) has partnered with the National Stationery Show (NSS) to participate in AIDS Walk New York, a charity fundraiser in New York City on Sunday, May 20.
The GFL/NSS team will recruit walkers to raise funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS by participating in the 10K course that starts and ends at Central Park, as well as in a “virtual walk” through the aisles of the show, which runs May 20-23 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Over the last six years of collaboration, the GFL/NSS team has raised more than $144,000 for GMHC, the beneficiary of AIDS Walk New York. For the last four years, the team has been recognized with “Gold Team” status, which is bestowed upon the top 20 fundraising teams each year. Their total donations include a $5,000 matching grant from GFL’s beneficiary, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. With DIFFA again participating, the team has set a fundraising goal of $30,000 for 2018.
“We’re pleased to partner with the Walk and involve exhibitors and attendees of the National Stationery Show in our fundraising efforts,” says Kelly P. Bristol, NSS Director. “Gift for Life was founded at the National Stationery Show, and I am extremely proud of our association with this wonderful group of industry colleagues and friends, as well as this important cause.”
Industry members and friends are invited to join the GFL/NSS team as both walkers and donors. The 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) AIDS Walk New York begins on Sunday, May 20, at 10 a.m. in Central Park, and in New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center when the show opens its doors.
“For six years, we have consistently raised a significant amount of money for this worthy cause,” says Su Hilty, GFL and NSS team co-captain and honorary GFL Board member. “With the help of the stationery industry at large, as well as my co-captain, Caroline Kennedy, and our star fund-raiser Matthew Katzenson, CEO of Fine Lines Company and GFL Vice Chair, we hope to meet and surpass our 2018 fundraising goal of $30,000!”
Now in its 33rd year, AIDS Walk New York has inspired nearly 890,000 people to walk and millions more to donate, raising nearly $150 million to combat HIV and AIDS. The funds raised at the event remain a vital lifeline sustaining the prevention, care, and advocacy programs GMHC provides for the thousands of men, women, and families affected 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).
