The GFL/NY Now team at the AIDS Walk NY starting line on May 20, 2025. From left: Amy Loewenberg, co-captains Kelly Bristol and Caroline Kennedy, Bill McCue, Sally Fisher, Matthew Mathiasen, and Sara Zarini. (Photo courtesy of Gift for Life)
NEW YORK – The Gift for Life/NY Now team will once again gather in Central Park on Sunday, May 17, for AIDS Walk New York, an annual fundraiser for Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC). The team, comprised of members of the gift and home industry along with their friends and supporters, has set a 2026 fundraising goal of $40,000.
Since forming the team in 2012, participants on the Gift for Life / NY Now team have raised $465,216 in support of GMHC and other organizations providing vital HIV/AIDS services across the tri-state region. With this year’s fundraising effort, the team hopes to surpass the $500,000 milestone.
“We are incredibly proud of what our community has accomplished through this team,” said Kelly Bristol, co-captain of the Gift for Life/NY Now AIDS Walk New York team and vice president of business development for sales rep agency Just Got 2 Have It.
“Since 2012, the generosity and commitment of our colleagues and friends have helped raise more than $465,000. Reaching the half-million mark this year would be an extraordinary milestone and a meaningful reflection of the compassion and dedication of the people who walk with us each year.”
The Gift for Life/NY Now team’s co-captains are Bristol and Caroline Kennedy, who once again are rallying colleagues, partners and friends to participate in the walk and support the cause.
“AIDS Walk New York is one of the most meaningful days of the year,” Kennedy said. “It brings thousands of people together to support those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. The funds raised provide essential care, prevention services, and advocacy through GMHC and partner organizations, and the impact of that work reaches far beyond the walk itself.”
This year’s fundraising effort is strengthened by the generosity of NY Now, which has committed a $5,000 matching contribution to support the team.
“At NY Now, we believe our role extends beyond the show floor,” said Amy Loewenberg of NY Now and chair for Gift for Life. “We’ve been proud to support Gift for Life since its inception and to show up together for AIDS Walk New York year after year. In 2018, we built on that commitment by forming the Gift for Life + NY Now team and introducing a matching initiative to help drive early momentum.
“Each year, we match the first $5,000 raised, and we’re excited to share that we’ve already reached that milestone again this year. We’re a small but highly engaged team, consistently ranking among the top fundraisers, which speaks to the strength of this community. It’s a strong start, but there’s still more work to be done as we continue to rally support. We look forward to walking together on May 17 in Central Park.”
The team also recognizes Matthew Katzenson, seasoned walker and owner of sales rep agency Fine Lines, who continues to lead the group as its top individual fundraiser, demonstrating extraordinary dedication to the cause.
Participants on the 2026 Gift for Life/ NY Now AIDS Walk New York team include:
- Kelly Bristol
- Lauren Ricca Cesare
- Sally Fisher
- Matthew Kazenson
- Caroline Kennedy
- Amy Loewenberg
- Matthew Mathiasen
- Bill McCue
- Caitlin Pavich
Supporters can learn more about the team and make a contribution at: Gift for Life/NY Now – AIDS Walk New York.
