Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Celebrates Kids 4 Kids Family Festival in New York City With Celebrity Guess Including Nigel Barker, And RHONY Star, Kristen Taekman [SEE PHOTOS]

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) celebrated its 20th Kids 4 Kids family festival over the weekend at the Field House at Chelsea Piers in New York City. The event, co-chaired by world-renowned fashion photographer and EGPAF board member Nigel Barker and his wife Cristen Barker, ( pictured above ) raised funds and awareness for the effort to achieve an AIDS-free generation.

Celebrity attendees at Kids 4 Kids included New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey, Miss Universe Gabriela Isler, Olympic swimmer Matt Targett;and actress and EGPAF celebrity ambassador Fatima Ptacek. Other celebrity guests included cast members from Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black Joel Garland, and Yael Stone; Clare Foley, Zabryna Guevara, J.W. Cortes, and David Mazouz from Fox’s new series Gotham; Johnny Lee Miller from CBS’s Elementary; and Kristen Taekman of Real Housewives of New York. Bluegrass band Seven Handle Circus closed the event with an acoustic musical performance. The New York Observer was the exclusive media sponsor.

“At EGPAF we will do whatever it takes until no child has AIDS, because we know that an AIDS-free generation isn’t just a dream. With your help, we can make it a reality,” said Barker during the event. “EGPAF’s longtime partner Jewelers for Children will donate $1 for every person who signs on to our pledge for an AIDS-free generation at pedaids.org/k4k. And better yet, JFC will match donations made by pledge signers, doubling the impact of these gifts. If you help us spread the word through social media and your networks, this opportunity will raise critical funds and awareness to end AIDS in children.”

Since 1993, Kids 4 Kids has raised more than $26 million to support EGPAF’s work to end AIDS in children.
“We are honored to have so many people join us today for our 20th Kids 4 Kids event,” said Charles Lyons, EGPAF president and CEO. “EGPAF works in many countries with the highest rates of HIV infection in the world. We deliver prevention and treatment services, conduct research, and advocate on behalf of children and families.

Working hand-in-hand with our partners, EGPAF will continue to push forward with our work – until no child has AIDS.”

Special activities included classes with the Boston Ballet’s Kathryn Boren and yoga instructor Tara Stiles, graffiti wall art with artist Shantell Martin, and physical activities with Kirk Myers Fitness. Families also experienced interactive games from Disney, created beats with Scratch DJ Academy, and got creative with retailer Skip Hop.

Some of New York’s favorite restaurants and chefs, including caterer Abigail Kirsh, Michael’s, Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, Pain D’Avignon, Sofia Wine Bar, Luke’s Lobster, the Chester, Grandaisy Bakery and (The Mercer) Kitchen provided event food and refreshments.