May 18, 2008 |
Press contacts:
Noel Alicea/GMHC: 212.367.1216/917.583.6657 (cell)
Joshua Tjaden/AWNY: 212.807.9255/917.683.5464 (cell)
Colin A. Weil/MZA: 212.367.1430/917.887.7487 (cell)
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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, NY, May 18, 2008 – 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® 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®-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 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. Our mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling this mission, we will remain true to our heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians. 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. For more information, please visit www.mzaevents.com.
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© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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