The 40th Annual AIDS Walk New York stepped off Sunday in Central Park as sunshine and hope filled the air. Approximately 10,000 people participated, organizers said. AIDS Walk New York is considered the largest fundraising event for HIV/AIDS in the U.S. It has raised over $170 million since its inception for research and to provide other services. 40th AIDS Walk New York takes over Central ParkThis year's walk hoped to raise $2 million to support HIV services provided by GMHC and other public health organizations in the Tri-State Area. Organizers said they raised at least $1.9 million, so far. "Most of the money goes to HIV/AIDS service organizations that do direct care, services and programs, HIV testing and prevention, and that's how we work," Krishna Stone of the GMHC said. "No matter what, we're going to be here." "It is critical for us, because we need to get our message out, our theme - we won't stop," Jason Cianciotto of GMHC said. "We're not going to stop, no matter what, providing the services that New Yorkers need to stay healthy." Christopher Smith joined his partner in the walk to support those living with HIV and AIDS. "I think it's an important cause for people to get involved in. I think it's really important to show community right now, especially now, and I think it's important to have just the sense of belonging," he said. "Just get involved. Because when I was growing up and coming out, this was very much stigmatized, and we didn't talk about it at all. And the fact that now it's on people's lips and they understand that there's a cure, and in the end we're all people. That's just what I want people to remember, we're all people, and we all deserve respect." CBS News New York pop-up newsroomCBS News New York, a proud media sponsor of the AIDS Walk, hosted a pop-up newsroom in Central Park, joining members of the community committed to the fight against AIDS. This was CBS News' Jessi Mitchell's third year as the event's emcee. "It's a really personal cause to me, because I lost my uncle to this really pervasive disease in the '90s, when there weren't a lot of treatment options available," Mitchell said. "It was shocking, and very eye opening. It was an awful experience, honestly, to see someone you love just deteriorate in that way." "I think it's important that we understand that this disease has not been cured," said Wayne Christie, who has been participating since 1993. "And I think it's important that we continue to fight and be at the forefront. I think it's imperative that in this particular time, where so many rights are being challenged that we keep moving forward and really pushing the agenda of managing care for everyone." If you missed the walk, you can still make a difference. The fight for funding continues and the need for community support is greater than ever. "HIV continues to concentrate among low-income communities, particularly communities of color and immigrants, and GMHC is there to provide critical services, like food and nutrition. We have 400 supportive housing units. We provide immigration support services, civil, legal support services," Cianciotto said. If you would like to donate, click here.