New York AIDS walk raises record $5.8 million

The 20th annual AIDS Walk New York, held on May 15, was the most successful ever, raising $5.8 million, according to walk organizers. About 45,000 people participated in the event. All funds raised by the event will support Gay Men's Health Crisis, the nation's first AIDS service organization. "AIDS is the defining health crisis of our time, especially here in New York," said GMHC executive director Ana Oliveira in a press release. "There is no better way to honor the lives of those living with HIV and those we have lost. That the walk raises money for GMHC and other local AIDS organizations makes it that much more important. We are extremely grateful to all of the individuals, groups, and companies who walked, organized teams, sponsored walkers, made donations, and helped us to keep the focus on AIDS." To date, AIDS Walk New York has raised more than $80 million for GMHC and other local AIDS organizations.