The Three-Day Fundraiser Will Feature a Gala, Dance Party,

Captivating Programming, Shoppable Experiences, Whimsical Installations, & More…

March 24-26, 2022

Center 415

(March 10, 2021 – New York, NY) The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA)’s biggest fundraising event of the year is less than two weeks away. The new iteration of the beloved DINING by DESIGN, DIFFA BY DESIGN will run Thursday, March 24 to Saturday, March 26, 2022 at an all-new location in the heart of Manhattan, Center 415 (415 Fifth Avenue). The event promises an immersive experience, all with the goal of raising funds to help combat AIDS, homelessness, food scarcity, and mental health issues across the country.

The three-day fundraiser will commence Thursday evening, March 24, with a formal Gala featuring a chef’s tasting menu and a Tito’s sponsored bar. The star-studded event will offer live performances and special guests including Tony Award®–winning actor Jane Krakowski,  acclaimed Broadway actress and Co-founder of Tony Award®-Winning Broadway Advocacy Coalition Amber Iman, cast members from Broadway hit Company, and DJ Michaelangelo L’Acqua. It will be co-hosted by DIFFA Chair Emeritus and prolific architect, David Rockwell and DIFFA Board Chairman and Editor in Chief of Interior Design, Cindy Allen. Come Friday evening, the DIFFA NIGHTS! dance party will take over the magnificent space, and feature a DJ set from design industry dynamo Royce Epstein.

Exciting activations will be peppered throughout the three days, including timely panels and programming like: “The Real Facts on the Circular Economy and Design’s Impact,” moderated by Laurel Christensen, Director of Outreach & Engagement, mindful MATERIALS, featuring panelists: Shay Lam, Studio Creative Director, TPG Architecture; Jonathan Durling, Founder & CEO, Sossego Design; Rebecca Best, Vice President Sustainability & Market Engagement, Material Bank®; and Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer, Humanscale (March 25, 3:00pm-4:00pm); “Battle of the Platforms: Instagram vs TikTok,” moderated by Rio Hamilton, Marketing & Business Development Strategist, featuring Christine Vandover, Principal & Sr. Project Interior Designer, HOK; Reeves Connelly, designer, Pratt Institute architecture graduate student, and TikTok personality; Tom Kligerman, Partner at Ike Kligerman Barkley;  and Matthew Krull, Social Media Strategist & Influencer, Novità Communications (March 25, 4:30pm-5:30pm); a Shop & Sip Styling Party with Robert Verdi, leading lifestyle expert, celebrity stylist, and television personality and Jessie Freschl, Founder of Repurpose (March 26, 11:00am-5:00pm). Additional activations throughout the three days include a silent auction of luxury goods and experiences, as well as an interactive and engaging loom demonstration from renowned textile designer Suzanne Tick—attendees can take part in a vibrant communal weaving made of recycled materials that will be auctioned off to benefit DIFFA. Attendees and fellow exhibitioners are welcomed to bring discarded and recycled materials pre-cut into ½” x 9” strips, including items of clothing, plastic packing material, mylar balloons, plastic bags, ribbons, yarns, textiles, samples, and more.

“When I assumed the role of Chairman nine years ago, I knew of the design industry’s steadfast commitment to give, but I have been truly awed by the community’s generosity, year after year,” comments Cindy Allen, DIFFA Board Chairman and Editor in Chief of Interior Design. “For this exceptional ‘back together’ celebration, we hope to inspire all people to find meaning in helping others to come together as one for DIFFA.”

Attendees can immerse themselves in the colorful and vibrant designer installations throughout the 30,000 square foot space. Eye-catching vignettes on display include creations from Corey Damen Jenkins for Benjamin Moore, Gensler + Knoll + EvensonBest, Teknion | LUUM | Studio TK + Vocon + Officeworks, WB Wood + TPG Architecture + Eventscape + Haworth, HOK + Shaw Contract, Carl Hansen & Søn with design by Rockwell Group, Dan Mazzarini of BHDM Design, FLORIM + Perkins Eastman, Fogarty Finger + Menu + Bower + Maharam + Unity, HDR, Inc., Jeffrey Beers International + Maya Romanoff, Lauren Rottet for Rottet Studio, Material Bank + Slade Architecture, LAB at Rockwell Group, Sossego Design, and Steelcase.

“DIFFA BY DESIGN comes at a critical moment in DIFFA’s history. We’ve expanded our mission to serve those affected by homelessness, food scarcity, and mental health issues in addition to HIV/AIDs and we need everyone’s help in spreading the word and raising funds,” says DIFFA Executive Director Dawn Roberson. “With the help of our partners at Rockwell Group we have designed a stellar space with exciting activations and anchor events. There will truly be something for everyone.”

Additional DIFFA Sponsors and Supporters include:

Interior Design, Aspire, Galerie, Aspire Home Plus, ELLE Décor, Modern Luxury Manhattan.  200 Lex, Designtex, Inside Source, ASID, Bentley Mills, LSM, Stylex, Boss Design, Buck Agency, Crosby Street Studios. The press room furnishings will be provided by True Residential, Stylex, Humanscale, JB Lighting Collection, Timbur, and Liora Manné. The green room furnishings will be provided by Stellar Works and Liora Manné.

For more information about DIFFA BY DESIGN, including a full list of programming and to purchase tickets, visit diffa.org/diffa-by-design/.

Interviews with the installation designers, DIFFA leadership, DIFFA Gala co-hosts, as well as talent are available.

ABOUT DIFFA

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS grantsfundsto organizations providing treatment, education, and assistance for people impacted by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, hunger, and mental health issues.

For four decades, DIFFA has created legendary programs and events that highlight a cause that has significantly impacted the industry. As times change and we face a new set of challenges, DIFFA answers the community’s needs by expanding our mission to include funding for those with food and housing insecurities and to support mental wellbeing.

Harnessing the design industry’s resources and creativity to respond to critical health issues and build a healthier, robust, and inclusive community. Making a DIFFArence!

DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States. Mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community, DIFFA has granted more than $50 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. Including Alpha Workshops, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Housing Works, God’s Love We Deliver, Bailey House, SAGE, Health, Hetrick-Martin Institute, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, among many others. www.diffa.org.

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Media Contacts:

DIFFA                                                                         Novità Communications

Dawn Roberson                                                          Chris Abbate / Emma Reuland

droberson@diffa.org                                                   chris@novitapr.com / emma@novitapr.com

Featuring Tony Award®-Winning Actor Jane Krakowski, Acclaimed Broadway Actress and Co-founder of Tony Award®-Winning Broadway Advocacy Coalition Amber Iman, and Stars From Hit Broadway Musical Company: Bobby Conte, Claybourne Elder, and Manu Narayan

Thursday, March 24, 2022

(March 4, 2021 – New York, NY) DIFFA is thrilled to announce a stellar lineup of VIP guests and exclusive performances for its GALA Chef’s Tasting Extravaganza, Thursday, March 24th. The spectacular, ticketed affair will officially kick off the nonprofit’s inaugural DIFFA BY DESIGN experience, an immersive three-day event at Center 415 (415 Fifth Avenue, NYC), March 24-26. Co-hosted by DIFFA Chairman of the Board, Cindy Allen and renowned architect and DIFFA Chair Emeritus, David Rockwell, proceeds from the gala and the multi-day activation will benefit DIFFA in its efforts to raise funds to help those affected by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, food scarcity, and mental health issues across the country.

Gala festivities will begin at 5pm and feature special guest Jane Krakowski, as well as riveting performances by some of Broadway’s biggest stars including Amber Iman, co-founder of Tony Award®-winning Broadway Advocacy Coalition and Bobby Conte, Claybourne Elder, and Manu Narayan from the cast of the critically acclaimed Stephen Sondheim revival Company. In her role as co-host, DIFFA Chairman of the Board Cindy Allen will join the illustrious lineup. DIFFA BY DESIGN comes at a pinnacle moment in Allen’s career, as March marks her 20th year as Editor-in-Chief of Interior Design magazine.

“Great theater, just like great design, has a way of sparking connection and bringing people together,” says David Rockwell, founder and President of Rockwell Group. “In a moment when togetherness feels particularly meaningful, I’m both excited and grateful that this stellar line-up of Broadway artists will be lending their considerable talent to what is shaping up to be an incredible evening. As DIFFA continues its vital work, more determined than ever in the face of new challenges, our collective support on March 24 will power a world of good.”

Throughout the evening, attendees will get an exclusive first look at—and even be able to lounge and sip champagne in! —the dozens of design installations that will be on display at the venue. Conceived by bold-faced names in the design industry including Rockwell Group; Lauren Rottet for Rottet Studio; Maya Romanoff; HDR, Inc.; HOK; Shaw Contract; Carl Hansen & Søn; and Steelcase—to name just a few—there will be 21 inviting vignettes unveiled that will remain on view through Saturday, March 26. Guests will enjoy a smorgasbord of epicurean delights as they mingle and move to the beats of D.J. Michaelangelo L’Acqua, an internationally acclaimed music specialist.

“We are so excited to announce such an amazing program for the GALA Chef’s Tasting Extravaganza, DIFFA BY DESIGN’s official opening event,” comments Dawn Roberson, Executive Director of DIFFA. “The evening will be a wonderful moment for the design industry to gather and, most importantly, help DIFFA raise funds that are critical in providing treatment, education, and assistance for people impacted by HIV/AIDS as well as those affected by DIFFA’s expanded areas of focus: homelessness, hunger, and mental health issues.”

Tickets to DIFFA BY DESIGN’s GALA Chef’s Tasting Extravaganza are available at diffabydesign.givesmart.com. Tickets for early admittance at 5pm are $650 and include an appearance from the cast of Company. The talented crew will perform a sampling of special numbers from the show before heading to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre across town for a 7pm curtain call. Tickets for entry after 6pm are $500 and will include appearances by Jane Krakowski and Amber Iman. 

DIFFA BY DESIGN will also feature DIFFA NIGHTS, another exciting evening event on Friday, March 25th, 7-10PM. Design industry dynamo Royce Epstein will be on tap to D.J. the cocktail and dance party with live performances and refreshments. DIFFA NIGHTS tickets are $75 and available to purchase here.

In addition to boasting lively night time events, DIFFA BY DESIGN will be open daily, Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26. Visitors can check out the dazzling design installations, take in captivating programming, and “shop until they drop” at a special pop-up curated by lifestyle expert and TV personality Robert Verdi.

For more information about DIFFA BY DESIGN, including a more detailed schedule, and to purchase tickets, visit diffa.org/diffa-by-design/.

ABOUT DIFFA

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS grants funds to organizations providing treatment, education, and assistance for people impacted by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, hunger, and mental health issues.

For four decades, DIFFA has created legendary programs and events that highlight a cause that has significantly impacted the industry. As times change and we face a new set of challenges, DIFFA answers the community’s needs by expanding our mission to include funding for those with food and housing insecurities and to support mental wellbeing.

Harnessing the design industry’s resources and creativity to respond to critical health issues and build a healthier, robust, and inclusive community. Making a DIFFArence!

DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States. Mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community, DIFFA has granted more than $50 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. Including Alpha Workshops, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Housing Works, God’s Love We Deliver, Bailey House, SAGE, Health, Hetrick-Martin Institute, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, among many others. www.diffa.org.

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Media Contacts:

Novità Communication
Chris Abbate / Emma Reuland
chris@novitapr.com / emma@novitapr.com

DIFFA
Dawn Roberson       
droberson@diffa.org                                         

DIFFA CELEBRATES PRIDE WITH SOLD-OUT FUNDRAISING EVENT, AUCTION/RAFFLE AND SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

(New York, June 16, 2021) DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) is pleased to announce that its first fundraising event since before the pandemic—DIFFA Pride presented by Shaw Contract Summer of Color Series (Monday, June 21st) — is sold out!  The colorful gathering is just one element in a month-long celebration of Pride. The nonprofit is also launching a silent auction/raffle replete with enticing luxury goods and experiences, as well as a social media campaign to bring the design community and LGBTQ+ allies together from coast to coast in support of a great cause. Many outstanding sponsors are showing their support including presenting sponsor Shaw Contact which is using the moment to kick off a summer-long, multi-city campaign that will start at the DIFFA Pride event and culminate in October during NeoCon 2021.

• “#DIFFAPridePost” Instagram Campaign: DIFFA invites users to show their pride by posting their snapshots of colorful gatherings—whether it is a picnic with friends dressed in festive attire or a night out dancing in full party gear—for a chance to win a VIP design prize, support the cause, and help DIFFA hit the 10K follower mark. Each post that tags and follows @DIFFAnational from now until June 29th, 2021 will enter to win a $250 H&M gift card and VIP H&M membership card. The official rules can be found here.

• DIFFA Pride Auction and Raffle: From June 21st through June 30th, dozens of swoon-worthy design items and alluring experiences will be available online via a virtual, silent auction and raffle. As a nonprofit founded and beloved by the A&D industry, it’s no wonder the auction will be chock-full of high-end items from Knoll, Herman Miller, Room & Board, Emeco, Duravit, and Shaw Contract, to name a few. Bid on items here. The raffle will boast offerings from Design Within Reach, Norm Architects, Lodes, Knoll Textiles, Muuto, Stylex and Karim Rashid. View the items and buy raffle tickets here.

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ABOUT DIFFA

Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that provide treatment, direct care services, preventive education programs, and advocacy for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS, as well as related challenges, including drug abuse and homelessness, which directly impact new HIV/AIDS infections. DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States, mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national foundation based in New York City with chapters and community partners across the country that, working together, have provided more than $45 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. Recent recipients of DIFFA grants include: Alpha Workshops, Gay Mens Heath Crisis, Housing Works, God’s Love We Deliver, Bailey House, Correctional Association of NY, SAGE, BOOM! Health, Hetrick-Martin Institute, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, among many others. www.diffa.org.

Media Contacts:

Novità Communications
Alexandra Zwicky | Emma Reuland
alexandra@novitapr.com | emma@novitapr.com

Grants Fund Nonprofits Continuing to Support HIV/AIDS Communities Throughout COVID-19 Pandemic

(May 18, 2020 — New York) The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFF​A)​ , in partnership with the ASID “Design Impacts Lives” Fund, will provide $50,000 in emergency grants to its grantees who have been working diligently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The grantees include: Ali Forney Center, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, GMHC, God’s Love We Deliver, Hetrick-Martin Institute, and Housing Works (Bailey House).

The funding for these grants comes, in part, from the ASID “Design Impacts Lives” Fund. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and DIFFA announced the new fund in May of 2019, when the ASID Benevolent Fund provided DIFFA with a $375,000 gift to support the organization’’s mission to offer grants to nonprofits that provide services, education and treatment to those affected by HIV/AIDS. The donation represented one​ of the largest ever single gifts to DIFFA and represented an effort to leverage the combined power of the two organizations to spur the design industry to action, inspiring support from the design world and maximizing its effect on communities in need.​

“Whether it’s caring for at-risk LGBTQIA youth, housing those living with HIV/AIDS, or feeding the elderly and those with compromised health, the service provided by these organizations to the community has been astounding,” says DIFFA Executive Director Dawn Roberson. “We gladly stand with Ali Forney Center, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, GMHC, God’s Love We Deliver, Hetrick-Martin Institute, and Housing Works (Bailey House) as they continue to advocate and serve the HIV/AIDS community and would like to say thank​ you for all that you do, and we’re proud to help make a DIFFA-rence.”

The Grantees

Representatives from each of the grantees acknowledge the challenges they’re facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and share how they’re continuing to serve their communities throughout the continuing public health crisis. 

Ali Forney Center

“Our mission is to protect LGBTQ youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently. We assist nearly 1,400 youths per year through a 24-hour Drop-In Center which provides over 70,000 meals annually, medical and mental health services through an on-site clinic, and a scattered site housing program. COVID-19: Caring for Homeless Youth is a campaign launched to give a voice to the homeless LGBTQ youths in our care during the current pandemic we’re living through. With the spread of COVID-19, many service organizations are understandably making the difficult decision to temporarily suspend their onsite services. This is not possible for the Ali Forney Center. We cannot close and ask our clients to call from home. We are their home. For LGBTQ youth experiencing the terrors of homelessness, we are their first responders. And now they need us more than ever. In such a time of fear, we have to stand firm and keep our doors open.”

“We’re facing immense financial challenges. Patient visits have declined dramatically, personal protective equipment costs have skyrocketed, and staff are out sick or lack childcare. Even so, we remain committed to our patients and our staff. Callen-Lorde’s responsibility as a healthcare organization – one that primarily serves people who have been systemically excluded from healthcare, housing, and economic stability – is to stay open and do our part for the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Callen-Lorde began providing medical services on Friday, April 3rd, 2020 at the Callen-Lorde Hotel, as we call it. Callen-Lorde quickly came to understand that the complexity of need was exceptional. Staffing includes medical providers, nursing and medical support staff, care coordination, front desk staff and a site administrator. This dedicated team cares for approximately 130 patients on a 24/7 basis, with patients discharged and new patients arriving daily.”

God’s Love We Deliver

“​The mission of God’s Love We Deliver is to improve the health and well-being of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses by alleviating hunger and malnutrition. God’s Love We Deliver​has been working to meet the needs of their clients, volunteers, and staff since the start of the outbreak, and has brought more than 1,000 clients on to program, delivered 210,000 shelf stable meals and increased their meal production 25% to serve people who need their medically tailored meals.​”

GMHC

“GMHC was founded as an emergency response to the AIDS epidemic nearly four decades ago. Today, GMHC continues to fight on the frontlines of the public health crisis, including the COVID-19 Pandemic. Since we closed our offices in March, we have successfully implemented remote service delivery for our mental health, substance use, workforce development, supportive housing, financial management, nutritional counseling, and legal programs, using videoconferencing and other technologies. People living with HIV are among the most vulnerable populations for COVID-19 infection. Many clients suffer from diabetes or cardiovascular disease that put them at higher risk for complications. Additionally, over 55% of GMHC’s clients are over the age of 50, and many more are Long Term Survivors. Collectively, these comorbidities and factors complicate our clients’ ability to access vital supplies and services. We are working diligently to ensure our clients’ needs are met as we adapt our services during the pandemic.”

Hetrick-Martin Institute

“Hetrick-Martin Institute has been challenged during the pandemic in that our core youth members are contending with limited or zero access to healthcare and treatment, serious mental health challenges, homelessness, and food insecurity. They rely on HMI to be their safety net. In March 2020, HMI launched our Continuity of Critical Service Plan which allows for the safe delivery of food and hygiene supplies, regular counseling sessions via virtual telemedicine platforms, peer support and socialization through “Q Chat Space”. We communicate with Runaway and Homeless Youth programs and emergency shelters and are maintaining constant contact with our health provider partners, to make sure that we have up-to-date information to share to youth and to maintain coordination of care.”

Housing Works (Bailey House)

“Most people Housing Works serves face co-morbidities – consequently, all are at heightened risk of COVID-19 infection, and those infected are at risk of severe complications or even death. Social distancing measures present challenges for our population, as interruptions to primary care, substance use treatment, and HIV prevention can be just as risky. If patients exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, they may lack resources to access appropriate healthcare without exposing others. Housing Works has rapidly modified its care delivery system to ensure that our patients remain engaged, safe, educated, and empowered to stay healthy during the COVID crisis. One crucial change includes the rapid establishment of a telehealth program, in all clinical areas, across our clinics, which serve over 8,200 patients annually. Housing Works is committed to serving any clients who need assistance in person. Housing Works opened two new clinic sites in Downtown Brooklyn and East Harlem, allowing us to provide a higher quality of care and enforce social distancing. Housing Works is also supporting the community at large by assisting in the procurement and distribution of PPE to homeless and other marginalized New

Yorkers, and by operating COVID quarantine facilities for people in NYC’s homeless shelter system.”

ABOUT DIFFA

Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that provide treatment, direct care services, preventive education programs, and advocacy for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS, as well as related challenges, including drug abuse and homelessness, which directly impact new HIV/AIDS infections. DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States, mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national foundation based in New York City with chapters and community partners across the country that working together have provided more than $45 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org.

About ASID

The American Society of Interior Designers believes that design transforms lives. ASID serves the full range of the interior design profession and practice through the Society’s programs, networks, and advocacy. We thrive on the strength of cross-functional and interdisciplinary relationships among designers of all specialties, including workplace, healthcare, retail and hospitality, education, institutional, and residential. We lead interior designers in shared conversations around topics that matter: from evidence-based and human-centric design to social responsibility, well-being, and sustainability. We showcase the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide.

ASID was founded over 40 years ago when two organizations became one, but its legacy dates back to the early 1930s. As we celebrate nearly 85 years of industry leadership, we are leading the future of interior design, continuing to integrate the advantages of local connections with national reach, of small firms with big, and of the places we live with the places we work, play, and heal. Learn more at asid.or​ g.​

Media Contact Katie Bone Novita` Communications katie@novitapr.com

DIFFA National Donates Nearly $300,000 to 26 Grantees Combating HIV/AIDS Nationwide

New York, NY (December 13, 2018) – This week DIFFA National, headquartered in New York City, granted $285,000 to 26 organizations nationwide providing treatment, direct care, and prevention education services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA), which is comprised of the national headquarters and local chapters including Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, and Northwest, has granted a total of one million dollars in funding this year. The organization is a top funder of HIV in the country, granting more than $44 million to date.

“We are thrilled to present these grants to a diverse group of community and national non-profits that are on the front lines every day in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” shares Executive Director Dawn Roberson. “The services and programs they offer are among the best and we know that by investing in their efforts we can together achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure those living with HIV have a high quality of life and care.”

With more than 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States today, and hundreds of new diagnoses each year, services from local organizations and community groups are critical to the fight to end HIV/AIDS. The 2018 DIFFA National Grantees serve critical areas and target populations including homeless individuals, the LGBT community, youth ages 13-24, people of color, elders, and incarcerated populations. The organizations offer a range of services to fight stigma, work on prevention and education, and offer nutrition, counseling and job preparedness services.

For more information, about DIFFA and its 2018 grantees visit www.diffa.org/recent-grantees/

DIFFA National’s 2018 Grantees:

AID Atlanta
AIDS Leadership Foothills-Area Alliance (ALFA)
Ali Forney Center
Allies for Health + Wellbeing
Alpha Workshops
Bailey House, Inc.
BOOM!Health
Community Health Project, Inc.
Correctional Association of New York
Equality Federation Institute
Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Inc.
God’s Love We Deliver, Inc.
Hetrick-Martin Institute, Inc.
Housing Works, Inc.
Jerusalem House
North Idaho AIDS Coalition
Peter & Paul Community Services
Planned Parenthood of New York City, Inc.
Research Foundation for SUNY
SAGE – Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders, Inc.
Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS (SWHIV)
The Aliveness Project
Vermont CARES
Visual AIDS for the Arts, Inc.
Voices of Community Activists and Leaders (VOCAL-NY)
Washington Heights Corner Project, Inc.

About DIFFA

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS by providing treatment and direct care services for people living with or impacted by the disease, offering preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, or supporting public policy initiatives. DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States, mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national foundation based in New York City with chapters and community partners across the country that, working together, have provided more than $44 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org.

 

November 16, 2018— On Saturday, November 17, Gift for Life will launch the final edition of the popular Diana Park’s Seattle Sample sale, which will run through January 13, 2019. The sale, located at 2611 NW Market Street in Seattle, will feature merchandise from Blue Q, Mindware, Ingram Books and more. Proceeds of the sale benefit local community health organization Lifelong, as well as Gift for Life and DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS’ national grant program.

“We invite the entire industry to join us in supporting this legendary sale with product donations and with visits through the holiday season,” said George Kacic, chair of the Gift for Life board.
“For more than 25 years Diana’s generosity and advocacy have made a significant difference in the lives of the organizations and individuals we serve. Please reach out and plan to stop by to help support our cause.”

Diana Park, formerly of Park Avenue Agents, has hosted sample sales to benefit Gift for Life since 1992, raising more than $400,000 for Gift for Life via product donations from fellow sales agencies and manufacturers across the country. The Seattle Sample Sale will be Diana’s final sample sale benefiting Gift for Life, and her goal is to raise $40,000. The funds will ultimately support health services and HIV/AIDS programming nationwide through benefactors Lifelong, Gift for Life and DIFFA. Lifelong provides food, housing, and services to people living with chronic illnesses and the joint efforts of Gift for Life and DIFFA have supported hundreds of HIV organizations throughout the U.S.

The public is invited to kick off their holiday shopping while supporting a cause, with items from toys, books, and stationery. Participating brands include Blue Q, Fred & Friends, Mindware, Ingram Books, New York Puzzle, Smoko, Fascinations, Corkcicle, Harper Collins, Rock Scissor Paper, and many others. On World AIDS Day, December 1, a special 20% discount will be available. The Diana Park’s Seattle Sample Sale opens to the public November 17, 2018 and runs through January 13, 2019, at 2611 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA. Hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00am to 7:00pm.

Each year, Gift for Life hosts events throughout the United States benefitting DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. The primary mission of Gift for Life and DIFFA is to raise funds and awareness to fight HIV/AIDS. With Gift for Life’s help, DIFFA granted over $1 million last year to organizations providing HIV/AIDS service and education programs nationwide. For additional information please visit www.giftforlife.org. Follow Gift for Life’s efforts via its free e-newsletter, available at http://www.giftforlife.org/about_gfl/press-releases-and-newsletters/.

 

ABOUT GIFT FOR LIFE and DIFFA

Gift for Life unites the gift and home industries against AIDS with more than $5 million raised since its inception in 1992. In 2008, Gift for Life selected DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S., as its main charity partner. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $44 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide. In 2017, DIFFA granted $331.500 to 31 organizations nationwide. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org and at www.diffa.org.

 

ABOUT LIFELONG: Lifelong is a community health organization committed to empowering people living with or at risk of HIV and/or other chronic conditions to lead healthier lives. Lifelong has always been an organization that stands up for communities facing discrimination and marginalization. For more information on Lifelong, please visit www.lifelong.org

 

 

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Picnic by Design Raises $57K to Fight HIV/AIDS

New York, NY (September 11, 2018) — DIFFA : Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS
hosted its largest and most successful Picnic By Design to-date, raising $57,000 to grant to
HIV/AIDS organizations across the country. Nearly 300 people filled the Viacom Terrace and
Lounge, overlooking Times Square, to view and bid on more than 20 Broadway-themed picnic
baskets from celebrated talents within the New York metro design community. Participating
designers including Patrick J. Hamilton, Vanessa Deleon, Tyler Wisler and Mikel Welch, created
vibrant baskets containing exclusive Broadway experiences that were auctioned to raise money
to support DIFFA’s work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“This year we challenged our designers to re-create a staple in New York City culture by
incorporating a Broadway theme in the creation of their designer picnic baskets. We were
thrilled to see the designs they produced for our guests to view, bid and raise funds to support
our grant efforts,” Dawn Roberson, Executive Director at DIFFA said. “ We are thankful to have
the support of so many talented designers along with Cindy Allen, Chair of the Board of
Trustees, David Rockwell of Rockwell Group, Tom Viola, Executive Director Broadway Cares/
Equity Fights AIDS, Viacom, O&M and the Shubert Organization; who collectively helped to
make this event an extraordinary success.”

In addition to an extravagant showcase of picnic experiences featuring interpretations of classic
and Tony-award winning shows such as Wicked, The Lion King, Kinky Boots, Chicago,
Breakfast at Tiffany’s and more—attendees were able to view an exhibition of images of the
Imperial Theatre from the Shubert Archives as well as Rockwell Group’s model of the set design
for “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” Auction winners took home reimagined concepts of a picnic
basket, which included backstage passes to shows, exclusive Broadway gift cards and dining
experiences at top NYC restaurants. Funds raised from the auction directly support DIFFA’s
mission to raise and grant funds to organizations that provide treatment, direct care and
education for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS.

“I am thrilled to have co-chaired DIFFA’s seventh annual Picnic By Design. It was an honor to
partner with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to support and celebrate two groups so near
and dear to my heart: DIFFA and the theater community. It was amazing to see how designers
expressed the joy and excitement of Broadway shows in such creative picnic displays,” said
David Rockwell, Chair Emeritus, DIFFA and founder and President, Rockwell Group.

The 2018 designers included: Antoinette Loupe, BKSK Interiors, Catskill Provisions, Gensler +
Knoll, Hunter Douglas + Patrick Harris Designs, Jes Gordon, Knoll + Studios Architecture,
Kravet, Lo Chen Designs, Matouk, McCory Interiors, Michele Alfano Design, Mikel Welch,
NPZ Style & Décor, Peter Valcarcel, Rockwell Group, Ted Moudis Associates, Tito’s
Handmade Vodka, Vanessa Deleon Associates, and Rebecca Wu Norman.

This year’s sponsors included AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Blanco, Brooklyn Brewery, Catskill
Provisions, Carnegie, Cliffton Dry, Hunter Douglas, Humanscale, Interior Design, Knoll Inc.,
Kravet Inc., National Kitchen & Bath Association, Robert Allen Duralee Group, Rockwell
Group, POZ Magazine, Studio TK/Teknion, Transwall, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Picnic by Design celebrates creative expression while raising funds and engaging designers in
DIFFA’s mission to further the fight against HIV/AIDS. Proceeds support DIFFA’s grants to
HIV/AIDS direct service organizations and programs in New York City and across the country.

View baskets and event photos on DIFFA’ Facebook page!

 

About DIFFA:
DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS raises awareness and grants funds to
organizations that fight HIV/AIDS by providing treatment and direct care services for people
living with or impacted by the disease, offering preventative education programs targeted to
populations at risk of infection, or supporting public policy initiatives. DIFFA is one of the
largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States, mobilizing the
immense resources and creativity of the design community. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA
has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national foundation based in New York City
with chapters and community partners across the country that, working together, have provided
more than $44 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org .

Media Contacts:
DIFFA
Shanea Phillips
sphillips@diffa.org
646-380-4195
Novità Communications
Katie Bone | Katie@novitapr.com
Katherine Smythe | Katherine@novitapr.com

DIFFA Welcomes Mark Popadick as Event Director

July 18, 2018 (NEW YORK) This month, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) welcomed Mark Popadick to the team as the new Event Director. He will take the place of Dawn Roberson who served in the position for five years prior to being appointed as Executive Director at DIFFA. Mark will manage and expand DIFFA’s fundraisers, events, and initiatives including The Foundation’s signature events DINING BY DESIGN and Picnic By Design.

“I am happy to join DIFFA’s dedicated team and work with its compassionate supporters. I look forward to using my diverse background to continue to expand DIFFA’s vision and mission. This is a great time to re-imagine DIFFA’s potential and take the organization to new heights,” Mark said.

As DIFFA’s new Event Director, Mark brings more than ten years’ experience in marketing, public relations and event management from his work with the New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden, and the National Basketball Association. He has extensive experience working events including the NBA Finals, All-Star Games, and the 2000 Olympics. In addition to working freelance providing strategic planning, communications, and event expertise—Mark also has 10 years of business and contract management acumen to successfully navigate his new position.

Mark is not new to the “world of DIFFA.” He was initially introduced to DIFFA as a contracted Events Coordinator for the 2017 and 2018 DINING BY DESIGN, where he worked side by side with the DIFFA team from set-up to break-down. Mark managed more than 100 volunteers for the 5-day event and solved any issues that occurred.

“Mark has been an invaluable addition to the DINING BY DESIGN events team for the past two years. He has fostered and maintained excellent relationships with designers, guests, and volunteers required to run a successful event. He brings a tremendous amount of diverse experience and connections that will be an asset to the organization. We are so grateful to have him as a permanent member of the DIFFA staff!” Dawn Roberson, DIFFA Executive Director said.

 

To learn more about DIFFA’s work and mission visit www.diffa.org/mission

DIFFA Board of Directors Announces Dawn Roberson as New Executive Director

June 19, 2018 (New York City) — After an extensive search, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawn Roberson as Executive Director at DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. Roberson will commence duties effective June 6.

“We are excited to have Dawn take on the role of Executive Director at DIFFA,” says Cindy Allen, Board Chair. “Dawn has the boundless energy, passion, and knowledge required to lead the organization in its charge against HIV/AIDS. Her contributions at DIFFA the past five years have helped the organization grow in both measurable and immeasurable ways. The Board was highly impressed with Dawn’s capabilities and strategic plan for the organization and is confident about its continued success. Three cheers for DIFFA with Dawn at the helm!”

Roberson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in fundraising, partnerships, event management and brand marketing to her position as Executive Director. Previously, Roberson served as the Corporate Marketing Manager at Abigail Kirsch Catering where she created and implemented marketing strategies for six New York venues. She later joined DIFFA as Event Director, where she successfully executed the Foundation’s local and national fundraising events. During her tenure at DIFFA, Roberson not only helped secure thousands of dollars in sponsorships to support DIFFA’s signature fundraisers and grant-making efforts but also re-imagined and significantly grew attendance at Picnic By Design and DINING BY DESIGN. A visionary and innovator, Roberson launched DIFFA’s first grant reception—Thanks for Giving—which united more than 200 DIFFA supporters and grantees.

“I am proud to serve as Executive Director at DIFFA and usher the organization into its next chapter of success. Working to support DIFFA’s mission over the past five years has been a fulfilling experience as we grant funds and support dozens of organizations nationwide fighting HIV/AIDS. With support from the Board, DIFFA team and our community of supporters—our efforts will only continue to increase as we focus our support on critical areas of need in the communities we serve,” said Roberson.

Dawn Roberson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Marketing and Advertising from San Diego State University.

About DIFFA:

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS by providing treatment and direct care services for people living with or impacted by the disease, offering preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, or supporting public policy initiatives. DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States, mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national foundation based in New York City with chapters and community partners across the country that, working together, have provided more than $43 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org.