GMHC AIDS walk raises $4.8 million

About 40,000 people participated in the 18th annual Gay Men's Health Crisis AIDS walk in New York City on May 18, raising an estimated $4.8 million for the organization, New York-based Gay City News reports. Last year's walk drew about 42,000 participants who raised about $4.7 million. Queer as Folk star Hal Sparks was among the celebrities to participate in this year's event. GMHC spokesperson Noel Alicea said the organization was pleased at the money raised, particularly in light of the ongoing soft economy.