More than 45,000 people participated in the 21st annual AIDS Walk New York on Sunday, bringing in a record $6.4 million for AIDS charities in the city. Both the amount of money raised and the number of participants were record highs for the event. Money raised from the walk will benefit New York City's Gay Men's Health Crisis and other local AIDS service organizations.
"This year marks an important milestone, with the 25th anniversary of the AIDS epidemic and the founding of GMHC," Marjorie J. Hill, GMHC interim director, said in a press statement. "The more than 45,000 people who participated in AIDS Walk honor the lives of those living with HIV and those we have lost over all these years, and represent a real commitment to end the epidemic. We are extremely grateful to all of the individuals, groups, and companies who walked, organized teams, sponsored walkers, donated money, and made a commitment to make AIDS history."
Among the celebrities participating in the walk or its opening ceremonies were actors Naomi Watts, Jack McGee, Richard Schiff, Sheila Kelley, Frank Grillo, Steve Valentine, Richard Thomas, Paige Davis of Trading Spaces, Ted Allen and Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, musicians Deborah Gibson and Diana DeGarmo, Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, and Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner. (The Advocate)
