AIDS Walk New York Raises $7.05 Million
World's Largest AIDS Fundraising Event Attracts 45,000 Participants and Raises Record Sum. Results Defy Economic Downturn and Remind Policy Makers that AIDS is Still a Crisis at Home. NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 23rd Annual AIDS Walk New York, on Sunday May 18, was the largest and most successful AIDS Walk ever held, setting a fundraising record even in the face of a troubled economy. Organizers announced that 45,000 walkers helped to raise a record total of $7,058,497. Since its inception in 1986, AIDS Walk New York has now raised more than $100 million for Gay Men's Health Crisis and dozens of tri-state area HIV/AIDS organizations.
"Despite the economic downturn, tens of thousands of compassionate people, supported by corporate sponsors and the entertainment community came out to fill the streets with hope and to raise a record-setting $7.05 million to support people living with HIV/AIDS in New York City and the tri-state area," said AIDS Walk Founder and Producer Craig R. Miller. "New Yorkers stated loudly and clearly that the critical work of Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) and more than the 50 other HIV/AIDS service organizations must be supported if we are to see an end to the domestic AIDS crisis," he added. "The phenomenal success of this year's AIDS Walk represents the dynamic power of community," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer at Gay Men's Health Crisis. "AIDS Walk is testimony to the fact that New Yorkers understand the urgency we are facing in New York City, the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. This event makes it possible for people living with HIV to benefit from life-affirming services and stand together to demand change. It allows GMHC to stay on the frontlines of HIV prevention and advocacy. We are grateful to our corporate and individual donors, volunteers, and especially to the tens of thousands of New Yorkers who make this event the largest gathering of AIDS activists in the world."
AIDS Walk opening ceremonies featured the participation of Fashion Designer and AIDS Activist Kenneth Cole; Tony(R) Winner Sara Ramirez (Spamalot, Grey's Anatomy), Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters); Loretta Devine (Grey's Anatomy, Eli Stone), Wilson Cruz (Noah's Arc, Rick & Steve), Hal Sparks (Queer as Folk), chart-topping recording artist Estelle, Emmy(R)- winning writer/actor Bruce Vilanch, and Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori, with a musical performance by Jenifer Lewis (Hairspray on Broadway, Meet the Browns) and Shuler Hensley (Broadway's Young Frankenstein). AIDS Walk New York benefits GMHC and more than 50 other tri-state area AIDS organizations.
About GMHC: Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer- supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City, and outreach and education to hundreds of thousands throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org. About MZA Events: AIDS Walk New York was founded in 1986 by Craig R. Miller and his organization of activists, MZA Events. Miller is the originator of the AIDS Walk fundraising model and has raised more than $300 million for leading AIDS charities nationwide. Miller and MZA have produced this landmark event every spring for the past 22 years. For more information, visit www.mzaevents.com. First Call Analyst:
CONTACT: Noel Alicea, GMHC, +1-212-367-1216, +1-917-583-6657 (cell); Web site: http://www.gmhc.org/
2008-05-18 17:00:51 0364518 PRNEWSWIRE
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