AIDS Walk New York was a day in Central Park like no other. Almost 10,000 people converged on the Naumburg Bandshell on Sunday, May 15, united by the common cause of sustaining GMHC’s vital programs to serve New Yorkers living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.
Central Park radiated with energy and excitement as people and teams reconnected for the first live AIDS Walk New York since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate everyone who made the day such a resounding success! Thanks to our community’s support, we raised $2,246,787 … and counting! It’s not too late to via: https://ny.aidswalk.net.
We are elated to mark GMHC’s 40th anniversary with such an inspiring day. “Even during these challenging times, it brought together thousands of caring people in a powerful demonstration of compassion and action,” said GMHC’s interim CEO and COO, Kishani Moreno.
It was a day of seeing old friends and making new ones. Longstanding teams that returned in full force this year included MAC Cosmetics, the Salty Bitches, the CandyWrappers, the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus, the House of Xtravaganza, the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, and the Church of St. Francis Xavier.
There were also plenty of people doing AIDS Walk New York for the first time–some with just their dog–and we were thrilled to have them join us! We couldn’t have done it without the many wonderful volunteers who helped check people in and guide them along the beautiful new four-mile route through Central Park.
A huge thanks to the dedicated public officials and the immensely gifted Broadway stars who showed up in force for our Opening Ceremony–and to everyone who posted such touching and fun Instagram photo and video stories all day. They captured it all, from the early morning check-in to Pride Puppets, Gotham Cheer, and drumlines along the route–and then the Paradise Garage Dance Party and phenomenal performances from the House of Mugler and House of Juicy Couture after the walk.
We are also grateful to our generous corporate sponsors, which include: Presenting Sponsor ViiV Healthcare; Premier Sponsor Gilead Sciences; Grand Sponsor Mesmerize; Principal Sponsors Audacy, Barclays, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Fiona & Stan Druckenmiller, The Keith Haring Foundation, PepsiCo and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
GMHC would like to give a special thank you to CBS New York, our media sponsor. Their talented team, including journalists Vanessa Murdock and Aundrea Cline-Thomas, aired a series of powerful, affecting stories about the GMHC community and some of our essential programs–Meals, HIV testing, the Brenneis-Boger Hub for Long-Term Survivors, and Project Vogue–on the 5:00 p.m. news in the week leading up to AIDS Walk New York. Then, they livestreamed our Opening Ceremony on May 15 for those unable to attend!
We’re already looking forward to next year!
