The dedication and good cheer shared by hundreds of teams propelled AIDS Walk New York to success, raising almost $2 million for GMHC and other AIDS services organizations on May 18 in Central Park. “The camaraderie makes it such a beautiful day,” said GMHC Development Coordinator Thom Medrano.
“It’s always fun to walk down Team Row and see all the teams checking in and having their breakfasts – and all the people connecting, especially on the corporate teams where they may not know everyone,” he said. Out of 400 total teams, about 60 secure official rendezvous points on Central Park’s Mall and Literary Walk.
“I love their team spirit and the fun T-shirts they come up with. Snagging a cute T-shirt from a team is always my favorite part,” Medrano said. (Thanks, Steinway Cares and Infinity!)
AIDS Walk New York stalwart Francine Goldstein returned as both the top walker and team, with Francine’s Team – A Promise to a Friend, raising over $82,000! Kudos to the other Top 5 individual walkers for their exceptional fundraising: James Matte, Mark Milstein, Matthew Katzenson, and Eric Catalano. Respectively, they raised from $16,000 to $9,000 each.
The other Top 5 teams are: Church of St. Mary the Virgin ($56,186), Gift for Life/NY NOW ($42,380), Omnicon OPEN Pride ($37,268), and The Salty Bitches ($32,127). All are Gold Teams, which means they were Top 20 fundraisers last year.
Gift for Life/NY NOW, formed by several NYC Gift Home and Accessory Trade Show participants, always stands out because of their bright T-shirts and festive tinsel accessories, Medrano said. “They’re a small team that makes a big effort!”
Two under-the-radar coalitions were also powerhouses: GMHC as an agency raised an impressive $65,245 from nine internal teams. (GMHC – Smooth Operators led the pack with $31,512.) OPEN Finance, made up of LGBTQ+ groups from 13 financial services firms, raised a hefty $34,280.
Medrano said a couple of teams came out of nowhere this year: Big Apple Recreational Sports (BARS), NYC’s largest LGBTQIA+ sports league, raised $13,074. Their team webpage captured the moment: “Help us raise funds for an important cause, and to represent our community, as we enter a new and challenging political climate.”
The Edrington Americas team was right behind them, at $12,826. Based in Glasglow, Scotland, Edrington produces Scotch whiskies and spirits. “We are walking for those who can’t. We are walking to make a difference. We walk to raise spirits. We are walking for hope!” was their inspiring team message.
Several smaller teams went the extra mile in fundraising: Drinking for the Dream, made up of just three fellows, raised $16,380 for the No. 11 spot. Their secret? Lots of fundraisers at NYC hangouts like Cubbyhole in the West Village.
The Church of Saint Francis Xavier team, with just six members, raised $16,981 for the No. 10 spot. “Now, more than ever, GMHC needs our help. This is YOUR chance to be an ANGEL. Please donate today!” said their touching team message.
In addition to performing at every single AIDS Walk New York, the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus has raised over $1 million over the event’s lifetime. This year they exceeded their goal at $24,892, ranking No. 9 among all fundraisers. “It wouldn’t be the same without them performing,” Medrano said.
Our final shoutout is to Deanna Wallach, a longtime Star Walker for The Salty Bitches team. Every year, Wallach comes by GMHC for the entire week before the event to help out. She also brings a Tupperware full of homemade treats for all of the staff and volunteers. “And then Deanna does the walk – and comes back to help us collect all the trash,” Medrano said. That’s dedication!
We are so grateful to these spectacular supporters – and all 10,000 people who turned out to support AIDS Walk New York this year. We couldn’t do it without you.
There’s still time until June 30 to donate to your favorite team! They’re not stopping, and neither are we!
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