GMHC Lights NYC Skyline Red For 30th Annual AIDSWalk

On Sunday, May 17, an estimated 30,000 walkers will join together in Central Park for the 30th annual AIDS Walk New York, the largest and most visible public awareness campaign for HIV/AIDS in New York and beyond. During this week leading up to the big event, New York's skyline will glow red in a powerful city-wide expression of our community's commitment to ending AIDS by increasing awareness, supporting critical services, minimizing stigma and pushing for a cure. Actor Harvey Fierstein will be present on May 14 for a special Lighting Ceremony at the Empire State Building.

"May these lights, and those burning throughout the city, brighten the night sky with remembrance of the countless precious friends and family we've lost to AIDS," Fierstein said. "May they carry our pledge to see the end of this disease once and for all." Fierstein has been a long time supporter of GMHC and appeared at the very first AIDS Walk New York in 1986.

The many buildings that will go red for Light Up New York include the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, 7 World Trade Center, GMHC, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ in Times Square, The Helmsley Building, Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park, Bloomberg Tower, Viacom, JP Morgan Chase, Bloomingdale's, Shops at Columbus Circle, Time Warner Cable on 23rd Street, Bar Eolo: Sicilian Kitchen and Wines, Pastai, John F. Kennedy Airport Tower, CBS Headquarters, 1675 Broadway, NYonAir and the Cond� Nast Building.

In response to a devastating disease whose victims were mounting at a frightening pace (to-date AIDS has killed over 658,000 people in the United States alone), men and women came together 30 years ago for the first ever AIDS Walk New York. This year, GMHC and AIDS Walk New York will cross a major milestone of 30 years of walking to find a cure and "Light Up New York" will help raise critical awareness about HIV and AIDS, as well as for the event on Sunday, May 17.

"Light Up New York" expands upon the Empire State Building's lighting tradition, which has over the years turned its spire red to observe important occasions related to HIV/AIDS awareness, including AIDS Walk New York. Secretary of GMHC's Board of Directors Osvaldo Perdomo is once again spearheading the operation to take the lighting city-wide.

"Last year's 'Light Up New York' was a great success, garnering support from all over the city and reminding the region residents that AIDS is not over. This year is shaping up to be even bigger," said Perdomo. "It's gratifying to see so many New York institutions that are willing to take a powerful stand with GMHC in the fight against HIV and AIDS."

The funds raised by AIDS Walk New York benefit GMHC and 40 other tri-state area AIDS service organizations. These agencies provide essential direct services and advocacy for people living with HIV and AIDS, as well as far-reaching HIV prevention efforts. Help Light Up New York in these final days before AIDS Walk by snapping photos of the buildings you see lit red, and posting to social media with a link to your personal donation page.

"With the help of our lighting partners, GMHC is continuing to shine a light on the continued challenges that we face in this third decade of AIDS," said Kelsey Louie, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC. "We thank them for their participation and willingness to support us in our work to advocate for a cure, prevent new infections, and provide much-needed support for thousands who are living with HIV here in the New York area."

For more information, visit www.gmhc.org