New York, NY, May 15, 2011 – Today’s 26th annual AIDS Walk New York (AWNY) drew a massive crowd of 45,000 participants to Central Park. The event began with a star-studded Opening Ceremony followed by a 10-kilometer walk, and raised an impressive sum for GMHC and 41 other vital AIDS service organizations in the tri-state area. Record-breaking corporate sponsorship bolstered the event’s fundraising results, as did the large turnout of individual walkers, who together raised multi-millions of dollars to combat the epidemic.
“This year, New Yorkers once again united to rally and raise funds to support GMHC’s life- saving work,” said Craig R. Miller, Founder and Producer of the event. “Today’s extraordinary total of $6,214,768 demonstrates that our participants and donors are laser-focused on doing the hard work it will take to end AIDS—through enormous generosity, heartfelt compassion, and unwavering solidarity.”
“As we look back on 30 years of this devastating epidemic, I’m proud to see so many people walking with us, raising urgently needed funds, and committing to a future without HIV and AIDS,” said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC. “Infections among youth, African Americans, Latinos, women, and gay men are on the rise; an aging population living with HIV will soon be facing new obstacles to their health and wellbeing. Yet today, I witnessed a community ready to confront head-on the challenges of this disease—and win.”
Guidetogay.com was proud to be a major media partner for this years event. GTG's producer and editorial director, Rob Manser stated "Being involved with AIDS Walk New York was a real honour. Anything we could do to assist in the proactive expsoure of this event to the global market was key for us. New York is one of our favourite global gay cities, and we hope that this will encourage large jumps in donations right across the USA in other territories where the AIDS Walk will be held."
AIDS Walk organizers thanked Guidetogay.com for their involvement in this years event also. "On behalf of AIDS Walk New York and GMHC, we thank you and Guidetogay.com for your commitment, dedication, and community involvement. Your participation as a Media Partner of AIDS Walk New York is crucial to our success, and for that we are tremendously grateful."
Celebrities made a strong showing at this year’s event. Notable AIDS Walk supporters included Matt Bomer (“White Collar”); Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”); Wilson Cruz (“My So-Called Life”); Conchata Ferrell (“Two and a Half Men”); Mondo Guerra and Jack Mackenroth (“Project Runway”); Laura Innes (“The Event”); Dot-Marie Jones (“Glee”); Nyambi Nyambi (“Mike and Molly”); Lee Pace (“The Normal Heart”); Mike Ruiz (“The A-List”); and CBS 2 news anchors Mary Calvi, Don Dahler, Maurice DuBois, Rob Morrison, Dana Tyler, and weathercaster Elise Finch.
Elected and appointed officials in attendance included U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel; New York State Senators Thomas K. Duane, Adriano Espaillat, Elizabeth Krueger, and Bill Perkins; New York State Assemblymembers Herman D. Farrell, Jr., Richard N. Gottfried, Micah Kellner, and Aravella Simotas; and Council Members Gale Brewer and Melissa Mark- Viverito.
The cast of Broadway’s “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” performed “We Believe” from the new hit show. Four-time Tony winner, two-time Grammy winner, and television star Audra McDonald (“Private Practice”) closed the Opening Ceremony with her performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
The AIDS Walk Post-Walk Concert, hosted by the Red Hot Organization, featured Superhuman Happiness, Mister Saturday Night, cast of “Tearing Down the Walls”, and Curtis Baily and The Clinic.
AWNY corporate support achieved yet a new record level this year, anchored by its Presenting Sponsor, New York drugstore chain Duane Reade. As part of its sponsorship, Duane Reade sold special $1 paper red-ribbon pinups in its 255 New York metropolitan area stores beginning April 3 through today. The Duane Reade Foundation and the Duane Reade in-store pinup sales program have raised more than $400,000 for this year’s AWNY, setting a new fundraising record.
A big congratulations to all of this years participants and fundraisers… totally brilliant work!
Check out the videos from the Days events in our video section.
