The 24th annual Party for Life fundraiser, held this month by the charitable organization Gift for Life, raised $200,000 for AIDS treatment and prevention benefiting the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA). A record crowd of 500+ attendees participated in the gala at The Boathouse in New York City’s Central Park.
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 the Chuck Yancy Lifetime Achievement Award; Suzy Batiz, creator and CEO of Poo-Pourri, received 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,” says 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 an array of prizes at silent auctions 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, plus 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 country benefiting DIFFA. The primary mission of Gift for Life and DIFFA is to eradicate the AIDS pandemic in the USA. Working together, the two organizations continue to raise funds for HIV/AIDS service and education programs. For additional information, visit www.giftforlife.org.
