Last Friday we saw pics of Hilary Duff switching on the lights at the Empire State Building in NYC in honor of the 24th Annual AIDS Walk New York that was scheduled for this weekend in the Big Apple. Today we learn that Hilary, her boyfriend Mike Comrie, actor Michael Urie and personality Carson Kressley were joined by over 450,000 people who trekked thru NYC to help raise 5.6 million for AIDS charities. Here are a few pics from yesterday’s AIDS Walk and some deets about the event itself:

The 24th AIDS Walk New York, the annual walkathon that raises money for local AIDS service organizations, took place in Manhattan on Sunday. Organizers estimate that more than 45,000 people attended, raising as much as $5.6 million. Many participants walked in honor of people who they had lost to HIV/AIDS: a brother, a sister, a friend. Monique Parker came to pay tribute to her brother Anthony who passed away in 2005 at age 45. She explained that it had become a tradition for her to attend the event. A number of family members and friends had joined her in her homage to Anthony. Minerva Velasquez came in memory of her sister Myriam who died of AIDS back in 1994, leaving two sons behind her. “It’s a celebration for me. We honor the good times spent together, especially the fun moments,” Velasquez said. “My sister was truly a very funny woman and I want her to be remembered that way. She never lost her humor until the very end.” Since its inception in 1986, the funds raised by AIDS Walk New York have benefited Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) – a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization that has been a leader in the fight against AIDS – and dozens of other tri-state HIV/AIDS service organizations. AIDS Walks allow service organizations to be accessible to anyone who is HIV positive, even people with little or no financial means, which helps local communities prevent the spread of the disease. Participants met at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday and braved the drizzle and wind in Central Park, right by the Sheep Meadow (south of 72nd Street) where the walk started. The opening ceremony featured actress and singer Hilary Duff, Carson Kressley (”Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) and Brooke Smith (”Grey’s Anotomy”). In addition, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus – who greeted attendees with a “Welcome ladies and gentlemen and everyone in between” – were there to interpret popular songs such as the famous “Dancing Queen” by the band ABBA, which did not fail to cheer up the crowd before the beginning of the 6.2-mile walk. Participants started walking through Central Park at 10 a.m. all the way up to 110th street – Cathedral Parkway – and down Riverside Drive before finishing up back in the park on 72nd street. Volunteers were cheering walkers and giving out free refreshments and snacks all along the way. The crowd was very diverse: young, old, gay, straight, black, Caucasian, Latino and the general atmosphere was very friendly.

Because of the struggling economy, estimates on funds raised by this year’s AIDS Walk New York were set very low … the $5.6 million was a number that far exceeded what organizers were hoping for. Said Dr. Marjorie Hill, CEO of Gay Men’s Health Crisis: “Today’s powerful results show that tough times, indeed, will not break our stride.” Congrats, kudos and much thanks goes out to those folks who participated in yesterday’s AIDS Walk. Until a cure can be found, we must not slow our resolve to help raise funds and awareness to battle this deadly disease. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it … much love and respect goes out to the celebs who use their fame for great causes like this. It says a lot that folks would take time out of their bizzy schedules to participate in important events such as this. Please keep up the great work!!

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Last week, Kylie Minogue was on hand for a special ceremony at the Empire State Building where she flipped the switch to light up the famed skyscraper in honor of DKMS Linked Against Leukemia charity and this week, it’s Hilary Duff’s turn. Earlier today, she was on hand for an event where she was allowed to flip the switch to light up the Empire State Building in honor of the 24th Annual AIDS Walk New York Event which gets underway this coming Sunday morning. Here are a few pics of Hilary at today’s lighting event and some info from the event’s press release:

Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and AIDS Walk New York (AWNY) announced today that the Empire State Building’s famed floodlights will soon honor the 24th annual AIDS Walk New York. On Thursday evening, May 14, beginning at dusk, the world-famous spire will glow red to kick off the AIDS Walk weekend. Special guest Hilary Duff will lead a Lighting Ceremony in the lobby of the Empire State Building. The event will begin at 12 p.m. and last for about 15 minutes. During the ceremony, Ms. Duff will throw a prop switch to illuminate a scale model of the Empire State Building in the building’s lobby for members of the media and invited guests. On Sunday morning, May 17, Ms. Duff will also co-host the AIDS Walk Opening Ceremony in Central Park, and will then walk with her team “Hilary Duff — Walk with Love.” Additionally, she also appears in public service announcements and a variety of other AIDS Walk communications focusing on prevention and encouraging New Yorkers to register for the event. “In tough times, it’s even more important for people to get involved,” says Duff. She continues, “Everyone should find a cause they believe in whether it is something in your local community or something as big a global issue as AIDS.” “From sunset to midnight on Thursday, New Yorkers will see the solid red color, synonymous with AIDS awareness, beaming from the building. The red lights will serve as a reminder that AIDS is still a matter of great urgency in New York and throughout the United States,” said Dr. Marjorie J. Hill, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of GMHC, the world’s first AIDS organization and AIDS Walk New York’s primary beneficiary. “The lighting will also honor hundreds of thousands of walkers and donors who have participated in the AIDS Walk over the event’s 24-year history,” said Craig R. Miller, Founder & Producer of AIDS Walk New York. “As one of the largest, most esteemed, and most diverse public events in New York City, we are so proud that the Empire State Building has again chosen to recognize and promote the vital work of GMHC and AIDS Walk New York,” Miller added. This is the third year the event has been so-honored.

I am thrilled that Hilary Duff has teamed up to participate with this year’s AIDS Walk New York. I’ve always been impressed with her previous charity work and this time is no exception. She seems so committed to working for important charities and events that really could use her help. You may recall that she appeared in the Think Before You Speak PSA for GLSEN to help educate kids about using harmful language in school. Even at a young age, she understands that her help and association with these events will help inspire others to participate themselves. Hil D. is my girl. I love her for all the amazing charity work she continues to do :)

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]