Motorcycling Philanthropists Join Forces with Kiehl's to Fight AIDS

Mark Thompson READ TIME: 3 MIN.

NEW YORK, NY - Maintaining its long-standing tradition of supporting HIV/AIDS charities, Kiehl's Since 1851, the venerable New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care, announced a continued partnership with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

HIV/AIDS awareness has long been at the forefront of Kiehl's philanthropic efforts, and through partnerships with organizations like amfAR, as well as the Magic Johnson AIDS Foundation, and YouthAIDS, Kiehl's has proudly donated more than $2,000,000 for the cause, worldwide.

With the mission to heighten awareness, and raise funds, for amfAR along the West Coast, the company is embarking on the first Kiehl's Desert Run for amfAR, a five-day charity motorcycle ride taking place March 29 - April 2, 2012.

Inspired by Kiehl's history with motorcycles, spirit of adventure, and philanthropic heritage, the ride will be led by Chris Salgardo, President, with reputable motorcycle enthusiasts eager to join the fight against HIV/AIDS, including Paul Cox, Timothy White, Grant Reynolds and more - all on "choppers." An extension of Kiehl's LifeRide for amfAR, an annual motorcycle ride that has raised over $200,000, this ride will feature the unveiling of a new Kiehl's Chopper - designed by Brooklyn-based motorcycle builder, Paul Cox.

With five stops along the way, Kiehl's will make donations at each - totaling $25,000. Stops/check presentations at Kiehl's freestanding stores include:

� March 29th: Kiehl's Store at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas, NV - 3:00pm - 5:00pm
� March 31st: Kiehl's at Saks Fifth Avenue, Palm Springs, CA - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
� April 1st: Stop 1: Kiehl's Store at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA - 12:00pm
Stop 2: Kiehl's Store at The Grove, Los Angeles, CA - 3:00pm
Stop 2: Kiehl's Store on Robertson, Los Angeles, CA - 4:30 pm
***with local community based motorcyclists
� April 2nd: Kiehl's Store in Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
***with Los Angeles based LifeRiders

Kiehl's customers will also be able to join the fight against AIDS/HIV: In celebration of this ride, Kiehl's will introduce a Limited Edition Desert Run Travel Essential Kit, an assortment of Kiehl's best-selling travel size products for head-to-toe, on-the-go , with 100% of Kiehl's net profits from the sale of this product, up to $25,000, to benefit amfAR. The Limited Edition product will available at Kiehl's stores nationwide, and at Kiehls.com. The kit will retail for $69.00, featuring the following cult favorites: Amino Acid Shampoo & Conditioner, Ultra Facial Cleanser, Ultra Facial Cream, Creme de Corps, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 15 and Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.

"From our inception, it has been Kiehl's mission to always give back to the communities in which we do business," said Chris Salgardo, President, Kiehl's USA. "I'm humbled that as a company, we not only raise funds for amfAR, but we get personally involved with the cause. As a motorcycle rider, I'm personally delighted to lead our inaugural Desert Run and truly grateful for the generosity of each participant. As a personal support of amfAR since 1994, I'm honored to spread their message on the West Coast, and unveil our new Kiehl's Chopper by Paul Cox."

"Kiehl's has been a valuable and longtime supporter of amfAR's vital research work, and the funds raised through the Kiehl's LifeRide will bring us that much closer to finding a cure for HIV and AIDS," said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. "We're thrilled to be partnering with Kiehl's on such a unique event."

To find out more about Desert Run, obtain a schedule of events in your neighborhood, or to get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, go to www.kiehls.com or follow @KiehlsNYC on Twitter.

For real-time updates from ride leader and Kiehl's president, Chris Salgardo, follow @ChrisAtKiehls.


by Mark Thompson , EDGE Style & Travel Editor

A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.

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