Gift For Life, DIFFA Raise $30k for AIDS Walk New York

June 5, 2019  by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

This year marked the first time that Gift for Life teamed-up with DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) to rally the design community’s support for the 2019 AIDS Walk New York. The Gift for Life/DIFFA team stepped out on Sunday, May 19, against the backdrop of NYCxDESIGN, the 13-day, city-wide celebration of design. 

As of May 24, the team was ranked 8th overall in team fundraising, with a grand total of $30,158.  Donations to the team included a generous $5,000 matching grant from DIFFA.  Overall, the 2019 AIDS Walk NY – which was the 34rd annual event – has raised a collective $4,001,100+ for GMHC.  

”It was a really fabulous day to walk the 10k in Central Park. Nine of us walked and five of our team were the first group to cross the finish line. WE DID IT!” said Su Hilty, team co-leader.  “Caroline Kennedy, my team co-leader, and I are thrilled to continue being affiliated with such an energetic and enthusiastic team, and proud to represent the industry. We ask the industry to continue with post-event donations.  We met our goal and now we can go above and beyond.” 

More than $21,000 of the team’s total was raised by the team’s six  “Star Walkers,” who each raised $1,000 or more.  2019 Star Walkers are Gift for Life board vice chair Matt Katzenson of Fine Lines; team co-leaders, Caroline Kennedy of PRESENT Magazine and Su Hilty, gift & home industry ambassador; John Stuttard, Senior Vice President/Group Show Director at Emerald Expositions; Christina Stuttard, owner of CHRISTINASTUTTARDFITNESS; and Russ Jones of Ivystone.

Additional donations will be accepted through June 7 at ny.aidswalk.net/GFLDIFFA2019.