Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ sole charitable organization, announces the historic results of its 28th annual fundraiser, Party for Life. The event raised $232,000 in support of DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS on Wednesday, January 15, at Atlanta’s iconic Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
The event’s honorary chair, Thom Filicia, greeted guests and welcomed more than 450 attendees to the event, at which Anne McGilvray was presented with the Chuck Yancy Lifetime Achievement Award. A tribute video to McGilvray was followed by short remarks from the founder of Anne McGilvray & Company, a Dallas-based sales agency operating in 43 states with multiple showrooms across the country. In addition to the agency, McGilvray operates two beloved retail stores located in Dallas.
Emcee Tom Sullivan announced silent auction opportunities that included travel packages and unique home décor products. In addition to the award and auction, guests enjoyed buffet dining, multiple bars, and a DJ.
“We are thrilled with the record-setting results of our first Atlanta Party for Life,” said Matthew Katzenson, Gift for Life chair. “Thank you to our sponsors, to Anne McGilvray and Thom Filicia, and to the hundreds of guests who created the best party in the city – all for a tremendous cause.”
An online gallery of photos from PCP Studio is available on the Gift for Life Facebook page.
Headline sponsors included: Anne McGilvray & Company at $25,000; AmericasMart Atlanta/Las Vegas Market, NY NOW Retail Renaissance, and Poo-Pourri at $15,000; BinaNat Capital, Kikkerland, and Demdaco at $10,000; Barefoot Dreams, Dallas Market Center, Ivystone, Loloi, Michel Design Works and Vera Bradley at $5,000. In-kind support includes Great American Media Services including Museums & More, Giftshop, and Stationery Trends; Maiarelli Studio, Whereoware, and Progressive Business Media including Gifts & Decorative Accessories and Home Accents Today. Although this event is over, it’s never too late to support Gift for Life via http://www.giftforlife.org/donate/.
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben of Appleman Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal. Since that time, Gift for Life has raised more than $5 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations.
For additional information visit www.giftforlife.org.
