amfAR and RxArt Partner Up for Kiehl's 7th Annual LifeRide

On August 3rd in New York City, Kiehl's Since 1851, the venerable New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care, continues its enduring tradition of supporting HIV/AIDS charities, by kicking off its seventh annual Kiehl's LifeRide for amfAR, commencing with the help of contemporary artist Jos� Parl�, in partnership with RxArt.
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"This world needs more people coming together and collaborating with a purpose to make the world better, healthier and safer. Our collaboration between RxArt, Kiehl's and myself is coming from the heart and it is filled with love. Our purpose is to spread that feeling and share in creating a new, good, bright and colorful space for the young folks and staff at Incarnation," said Parl�.

Kiehl's, with RxArt, has underwritten original work by Parl� to be installed at Incarnation Children's Center (ICC), New York City's only skilled nursing facility providing specialized care for children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS. Parl�'s inspiring transformation, created to bring joy to ICC's 21 young residents, will be unveiled, kicking-off Kiehl's charitable motorcycle ride.
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Parl�, known for his vibrant and engaging work and large-scale public installations, will create new work that will be fabricated as wall coverings for some of ICC's most-used living spaces: The dining room, the main residence hallway and multipurpose room. He will also work directly on a brick wall of the outdoor roof deck, bringing it to life with waves of color and calligraphy.

"RxArt works with outstanding artists to transform and energize children's hospitals and healthcare spaces," said Diane Brown, Founder and President of RxArt. "I am so impressed by the work achieved at Incarnation over several critical decades, finding and delivering treatment to children living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom have grown up there. We are proud to be working with RxArt friend and collaborator Jos� Parl� to dramatically update the living spaces for all of Incarnation's residents thanks to the generous support of Kiehl's Since 1851."

"We are thrilled to be hosting the launch of this important annual event and to be working with Kiehl's and amfAR, who are deeply committed to raising funds to eradicate HIV/AIDS," echoed Carolyn Castro, Executive Director at Incarnation Children's Center. "I and the residents of ICC couldn't think of a better way for this commitment to be expressed than through the powerful and beautiful art of Jos� Parl�. We're grateful to RxArt for facilitating this wonderful work."

Harnessing the power of art to help brighten the lives of young people living with HIV/AIDS, Kiehl's LifeRide for amfAR is gearing up in a whole new way this year.

"In honor of LifeRide 7, and in partnership with RxArt, we're delighted to revive the Incarnation Children's Center with a monumental installation by Jos� Parl�. Knowing that there are more than 1.2 million people living with HIV in America, we wanted to do even more this year than ever before, so we're making donations to regional non-profits at each store stop along the journey. Kiehl's LifeRide for amfAR is one of our most cherished initiatives. Instead of simply writing a check, we dedicate resources and time to make noise for a cause that is still a big problem in the United States." said Chris Salgardo, President, Kiehl's USA.

Following the unveiling, the motorcycle riders, led by Chris Salgardo with Kevin Robert Frost, and including actors Gilles Marini, Scott Patterson, and Teddy Sears and tattoo artist and designer Luke Wessman, will embark on the charity ride to benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. Inspired by a Kiehl's icon -- the motorcycle -- a spirit of adventure and philanthropic heritage, the seventh annual LifeRide continues the brand's mission to heighten awareness and raise funds for amfAR.

Beginning in New York and ending in Philadelphia, this 11-day, multi-state charity ride will take place August 3-13. Rallying with the public at nine stops along the route, the company will donate a total of $150,000 over the course of the ride. At the conclusion of this year's ride, Kiehl's will have raised $1.6 million for amfAR, since 2010, funding eight cure-related research projects.

"I am so proud of what amfAR and Kiehl's have accomplished over the years and it's an honor to have RxArt and Jos� Parl� on board to take LifeRide 2016 to new heights. From funding important research projects, to raising awareness of those living with HIV/AIDS, we're making a difference together," said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost.

LifeRide is a result of a commitment Kiehl's made to supporting HIV/AIDS causes in 1996. Over the past two decades, the fervent support of HIV/AIDS organizations has been at the heart of Kiehl's efforts, leading to partnerships with organizations such as amfAR, The Magic Johnson Foundation for AIDS and Youth AIDS. Since 2001, Kiehl's has raised approximately $3,580,000 for HIV/AIDS organizations.