Advertisement
"Despite the economic downturn, tens of thousands of compassionate people,supported by corporate sponsors and the entertainment community came out tofill the streets with hope and to raise a record-setting $7.05 million tosupport people living with HIV/AIDS in New York City and the tri-state area,"said AIDS Walk Founder and Producer Craig R. Miller. "New Yorkers statedloudly and clearly that the critical work of Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC)and more than the 50 other HIV/AIDS service organizations must be supported ifwe are to see an end to the domestic AIDS crisis," he added.
Advertisement
"The phenomenal success of this year's AIDS Walk represents the dynamicpower of community," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer atGay Men's Health Crisis. "AIDS Walk is testimony to the fact that New Yorkersunderstand the urgency we are facing in New York City, the epicenter of theAIDS epidemic in the U.S. This event makes it possible for people living withHIV to benefit from life-affirming services and stand together to demandchange. It allows GMHC to stay on the frontlines of HIV prevention andadvocacy. We are grateful to our corporate and individual donors, volunteers,and especially to the tens of thousands of New Yorkers who make this event thelargest gathering of AIDS activists in the world."
AIDS Walk opening ceremonies featured the participation of FashionDesigner and AIDS Activist Kenneth Cole; Tony(R) Winner Sara Ramirez(Spamalot, Grey's Anatomy), Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters); Loretta Devine(Grey's Anatomy, Eli Stone), Wilson Cruz (Noah's Arc, Rick & Steve), HalSparks (Queer as Folk), chart-topping recording artist Estelle, Emmy(R)-winning writer/actor Bruce Vilanch, and Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori, with amusical performance by Jenifer Lewis (Hairspray on Broadway, Meet the Browns)and Shuler Hensley (Broadway's Young Frankenstein).
AIDS Walk New York benefits GMHC and more than 50 other tri-state areaAIDS organizations.
About GMHC: Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership inthe fight against AIDS. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men,women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New YorkCity, and outreach and education to hundreds of thousands throughout theworld. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
About MZA Events: AIDS Walk New York was founded in 1986 by Craig R.Miller and his organization of activists, MZA Events. Miller is the originatorof the AIDS Walk fundraising model and has raised more than $300 million forleading AIDS charities nationwide. Miller and MZA have produced this landmarkevent every spring for the past 22 years. For more information, visitwww.mzaevents.com.
SOURCE Gay Men's Health Crisis
