Registration is open for AIDS Walk New York!
Last year, more than 11,000 enthusiastic participants raised over $2.1 million to benefit GMHC’s lifesaving services for people living and affected by HIV and AIDS. GMHC aims to top that number in 2024.
AIDS Walk New York will happen on May 19 in Central Park. That may seem far off during this wintry weather, but it’s closer than you think. Registering early gives walkers and teams a head start on getting sponsors for the 5K walk, says Thom Medrano, GMHC’s Development Associate who coordinates all walkers and teams.
“If you want to plan any fundraising events, like an Oscar watch or Super Bowl party, go ahead and create your fundraising page at AIDSWalkNY.org. That way, you have a donation link for sponsors,” he advised. “Take advantage of this time to recruit friends and colleagues. Use the calendar! Is your birthday coming up?”
Asked for his best fundraising tip, Medrano replied: “Ask everybody you know. Seriously. Ask your barista, your dogwalker, and your hair person to sponsor you, along with friends, colleagues, and family. Don’t be shy. They will.”
“The main thing is to get the word out,” he added. “People will be more receptive than you might think.” Medrano suggested asking people for a $25 or $50 donation—or whatever amount feels comfortable.
How to Register
GMHC has updated AIDSWalkNY.org to make fundraising easy and fun. Whether this is your first time participating or you are a returning walker, you’ll need to register and create a new fundraising page for 2024. For returning participants, though, the usernames and passwords are the same.
It’s quick and intuitive to set up your AIDS Walk New York page. For extra guidance, GMHC’s AIDS Walk team has created short video tutorials for key steps. The “how to” videos cover topics like logging into your profile, customizing your new page, importing emails to sponsors from your 2023 page, and sharing your page with supporters.
Hundreds of teams join together to fundraise for AIDS Walk New York. Some are friends and family, while others are from workplaces, schools, and churches. If you have registered as an individual walker and want to switch to a team, just call Medrano to make the change.
“Register as soon as you can. I’m here as a resource to help in person!” Medrano said. Email him at thomm@gmhc.org or call (212) 807-9255 (WALK).
After more than 20 years working with AIDS Walk New York, Medrano’s commitment to raising awareness and funds for HIV and AIDS services has not flagged. “This disease continues to have very real effects,” he said. “The majority of GMHC’s clients are living with or affected by HIV—and over half of people living with HIV are now over age 50. The Walk raises critical funds for our services to support them and prevent new cases.”
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