Party for Life raises more than $200,000

Home Accents Today Staff -- Home Accents Today, 3/23/2012 12:08:39 PM

NEW YORK -- This year's Party for Life gala raised a record $208,000 for Gift for Life/DIFFA. The event was held on January 29 at the Central Park Boathouse during the New York International Gift Fair.

John C. Portman, Jr. accepting the Legend for Life honor.

Approximately 600 people attended the 20th annual gift-industry event, which featured silent and live auctions, food stations, multiple bars and networking opportunities.

Prizes at the silent and live auctions included jewelry, home décor, photography services, show tickets, sports events, vacation packages, market trips and marketing assistance.

Party fo Life also featured the presentation of awards recognizing four industry leaders: Jenny Hammons of Jenny Hammons/Company received the Bert Tonkin Gift of Giving Award; Brandwise and its founders Todd and Jannetta Litzman received the Trailblazer Award; George Kacic received the Chuck Yancy Lifetime Achievement Award; and architect and industry icon John C. Portman, Jr. received the Legend for Life honor.

"A generous industry truly delivered dramatic results as we combined fun with fundraising," said Leslie Nathan-Street, Gift for Life chairperson. "To date, we have raised nearly $5 million for HIV/AIDS research and assistance through the generous help of sponsors and party attendees. Thanks to everyone for helping make this event a huge success."

For additional information visit www.giftforlife.org/.