Gift For Life was founded in 1992 by a small group of gift industry professionals who felt compelled to respond to the tragic loss of talented friends and colleagues to AIDS. Since then, they have grown in numbers and gained significant visibility within the gift and home industries, while raising more than $5,000,000 for life-saving AIDS research and education. In 2008, Gift For Life selected DIFFA as its sole charity partner.

Gift For Life is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose members donate their time, energy and resources to help unite the gift and home industries against AIDS. Makeup of the Board typically includes manufacturers; sales representatives; retailers; trade mart and trade show executives; editors, publisher and industry content providers; public relations and marketing professionals; and industry consultants.

Fundraising Efforts

A number of fundraising events are held across the country to support Gift for Life, during trade shows, conferences, and at markets. Each winter, however, efforts focus on our primary fundraising vehicle, an annual celebration held during the New York International Gift Fair (late January or early February). This vibrant, entertaining event is tailored specifically to engage today’s charitable contributors.

Gift For Life activities also includes cause-related marketing, promotions, and solicitation of corporate and individual donations. All proceeds from Gift For Life activities go directly to DIFFA and donations are tax deductible.
For information about Gift for Life, contact:

Matt Katzenson, chair
matt@finelinescompany.com
(866) 396-0450

Cole Daugherty, co-chair marketing
CDaugherty@DMCMAIL.com
(214) 760-2884

Cathy Steel, co-chair marketing
cathysteel@cathysteelassociates.com
203-340-9251