AIDS Walk
Reports Record-Breaking Sponsorship Levels

Organizers of AIDS Walk New York on Wednesday announced record-breaking corporate sponsorship levels for the event despite the current economic downturn. The event is the largest of dozens of AIDS Walks that will take place in 2009 in cities across the United States -- including San Francisco, Milwaukee, and Los Angeles -- to raise money to fight HIV/AIDS.

"In spite of the recession, today's announcement demonstrates that the New York business community remains committed to helping those struggling with HIV/AIDS and preventing new infections here in the tristate area," said Dr. Marjorie J. Hill, CEO of Gay Men's Health Crisis, which stages AIDS Walk New York, now in its 24th year.

Corporate sponsors increasing donations for 2009 include the drug store chain Duane Reade and the financial news company Bloomberg L.P. -- each of which doubled support levels from last year -- and Barclays Capital, which increased its support after acquiring former sponsor Lehman Brothers.

An estimated 45,000 people are expected to participate in the 10-kilometer walkathon on May 17, more than half of them representing corporate teams. Employee teams and major sponsorship comprise the two kinds of corporate sponsorship for the event.