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

 

 

# # #

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

 

Tickets and Table Sponsorships Available for DIFFA’s Annual Fundraiser
Co-Located with the Architectural Digest Design Show, March 22-26, Pier 92, NYC 

New York, NY (February 1, 2018) — DINING BY DESIGN (DBD), the design industry’s most illustrious fundraiser to fight HIV/AIDS, will return to Pier 92 in New York City on March 22-26, 2018. Hosted by DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA), the annual event gathers local and international brands and designers to create a showcase of extraordinary dining vignettes and to raise awareness for a worthy cause. DBD raises nearly one million dollars annually and hosts thousands of designers, notable guests, and avid supporters. Table sponsorships are still available for the event, which is co-located with the Architectural Digest Design Show. Attendees can access both events with a single ticket purchase.

“In 2017 DIFFA granted funds to 31 organizations across the country providing treatment and services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS,” said Dawn Roberson, Event Director at DIFFA. “Our ability to provide these grants is due to the significant support we receive from the design industry each year at events like DINING BY DESIGN. This year, we hope to raise even more for this worthy cause. We look forward to seeing what each brand will bring to the table and we’re excited to welcome new and returning participants!”

The 2018 DINING BY DESIGN New York will bring together over 40,000 guests to experience an array of dining installations by more than 30 designers, architects, manufacturers and brands. Participants will transform a raw space into an immersive exhibit representing a unique concept. The displays set the stage for a public viewing from Thursday through Sunday afternoon, as well as two celebrations which bookend the show. On Thursday, March 22, Cocktails by Design will kick off DBD with samples from a selection of New York’s best restaurants and Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Casamigos Tequila sponsored libations. The event will close with the DINING BY DESIGN Gala dinner on Monday, March 26. Brands from across the industry will feature their latest products and designs in their installations for thousands of event-goers to view and dine in.

“The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to affect millions across the country and around the world,” says Cindy Allen, DIFFA Board Chair and Editor-in-Chief, Interior Design. “DINING BY DESIGN is DIFFA’s biggest fundraiser showcasing the most thought-provoking and creative installations, done by the industry’s greatest talent. The whole five-day event is a celebration what we do best: dining, designing, and making a DIFFA-rence!”

The 2018 DINING BY DESIGN is co-located with the generous support of theMart. Featured 2018 brands currently include:

Event Sponsors: Benjamin Moore and Henredon+Hickory Chair; Media Sponsors: Interior Design, The New York Times, and Architectural Digest; Diamond Sponsors: Crate and Barrel, Gensler+Knoll+EvensonBest and Sunbrella; Platinum Sponsors: Franke; Steelcase, Turnstone, Coalesse, Designtex, FLOS, Empire in collaboration with Perkins+Will; Gold Sponsors: Arteriors, Design Within Reach, Donghia, Florim, Herman Miller, Jeffrey Beers, NBBJ with BOLD and West Elm, LUXE Interiors + Design, Porcelanosa, Ralph Lauren Home, Rapt Studio, Robert Allen Duralee Group, Rockwell Group, Tito’s Handmade Vodka; Industry Sponsor: New York Design Center; Media Partners: Manhattan Magazine and Exuberance

In addition to the design installations, DINING BY DESIGN will feature a silent auction, complete with innovative products, original artwork, and unique experiences. Tickets and table sponsorships are now available. For information on auction sponsorships, please contact swilliams@diffa.org.

For more information about DINING BY DESIGN visit diffa.org. Tickets are available here.

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.

About DINING BY DESIGN:

DINING BY DESIGN is DIFFA’s marquee event showcasing designers, manufacturers and creative individuals who bring their vision and passion to the table. Running from March 22 – 26, 2018, in conjunction with the Architectural Digest Home Design Show at Pier 92, DINING BY DESIGN features an array of dining installations on display for five days, and includes exclusive special events. All event proceeds goes toward DIFFA’s work to fight HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness that the fight against HIV/AIDS is not over and demonstrate the power we have to combat this disease.

Media Contacts:

DIFFA
Shanea Phillips
sphillps@diffa.org

Novita Communications
Katie Bone
katie@novitapr.com

The project enlists leading designers to raise money and awareness to combat HIV/AIDS

NEW YORK, NY – November 2017 – Launching in time for World AIDS Day on December 1, 2017, the
second annual Windows by Design initiative is a collaboration between craftsmen in paint and paper,
Farrow & Ball and DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. Using the power of design and
social media, the project enlists top designers to help raise funds and awareness for the ongoing efforts
to provide treatment, direct care services, preventative education programs, and advocacy for
individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Leading designers from across the United States will decorate a window vignette in each of the 16
Farrow & Ball showrooms nationwide, showcasing the warmth and love of the holiday season using their
unique creative vision and Farrow & Ball paints and wallpapers. For every photo posted on Instagram by
shoppers with the hashtag #FaBforDIFFA, Farrow & Ball will donate $1 to DIFFA.

“Farrow & Ball is honored to support DIFFA and their efforts to raise awareness for such an important
cause,” says Molly McDermott Walsh, VP of marketing at Farrow & Ball in North America. “We hope
that through the creativity of these designers and the visibility of our showrooms, we can encourage
more people to support important causes this holiday season.”

“DIFFA is honored to partner with Farrow & Ball for the second annual Windows By Design! We are
grateful for their support and for each participating designer for dedicating their time and talents to help
us raise funds and awareness to fight against HIV/AIDS,” says interim DIFFA Executive Director Barbara
Prete. “Each designer uniquely interprets our mission, translating our values into inspiring vignettes. We
hope this inspires people nationwide to make a difference!”

Participating designers include:
Alison Pickart (Berkeley, CA)
Andrew Petronio for KA Design Group (Upper East Side, NYC)
Annie Elliot / bossy color (Washington DC)
Block Shop Textiles (Los Angeles, CA)
Ederra Design Studio (Pasadena, CA)
Hernandez Greene (Upper West Side, NYC)
Jeannie Balsam (Chicago, IL)
Jenny Wolf Interiors (Brooklyn, NYC)
Kimille Taylor for Fuigo (Flatiron, NYC)
Liz Caan & Co. (Boston, MA)
Michele Prata (Orange County, CA)
Peti Lau for Fuigo (D&D, NYC)
Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic (Santa Monica, CA)
Robert Passal for Putnam & Mason (Greenwich, CT)
Sue Appleton-Webster for Swoon (Westport, CT)
TOLEDO GELLER (Paramus, NJ)

The window vignettes are all created using Farrow & Ball wallpapers and paint colors and will be on
display through January 2018.

About Farrow & Ball
Founded by paint pioneers John Farrow and Richard Ball in 1947, Farrow & Ball is known for using only
the finest ingredients and age-old production methods in the creation of its papers and paints.
Sumptuous paint colors are made using high levels of rich pigments to original recipes and wallpapers
are handcrafted using their own paints and traditional printing methods at their facilities in Dorset,
England. Farrow & Ball products are available from showrooms and retail stores around the world and
online.
us.farrow-ball.com / @farrowandball

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.

For further information, please contact:
Camron PR
Kate.Sangervasi
kate.sangervasi@camronpr.com | Office: 917.675.4369

New York, NY (November 11, 2017) – This month, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS will showcase its recently expanded cause-marketing program Specify With Care® to the design industry at two top trade shows. At both BDNY (November 12-13, booth 508) and NeoCon East (November 15-16, booth 1253), visitors can view lines from Specify With Care® affiliates: manufacturers and companies who donate a portion of sales from select lines to benefit DIFFA.  Specify With Care® allows DIFFA to provide year-round support to its grantees fighting HIV/AIDS nationwide. Tradeshow participation provides DIFFA and its affiliated partners an opportunity to showcase products and generate awareness for the initiative and the cause with leading professionals in hospitality and commercial interiors.

Obeetee, one of the largest handmade rug makers in India, is the newest company to sign on to the Specify With Care® program. BDNY and NeoCon East attendees will have the opportunity to see Obeetee’s new carpet collection, created in collaboration with seventeen interior designers and architects to benefit DIFFA. The DIFFA Collection draws from Obeetee’s rich and extensive color bank and utilizes 100% New Zealand wool to create beautiful, hand-tufted rugs. The designers and studios that participated in the collection include established names and rising visionaries such as V Starr Interiors, Verda Alexander for Studio O+A, Arlene Angard, Asler Valero, William Reue, Christopher Trujillo, Tina Ramchandani, Patrick Hamilton, Darrin Varden, Marks & Frantz, dash design, Antonino Buzzetta, M Moser, Wuno, Wesley Moon, Michael Tavano and Reeta Gyamlani.

The upcoming shows will also feature designs and special giveaways from notable Specify With Care® affiliates including BLANCO, EGE, Lee Jofa, Maya Romanoff, Scott Brogan Group and Wolf Gordon. “Specify with Care® partners ensure that DIFFA has the resources to provide year-round support to organizations nationwide, offering direct-care and prevention services to individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS,” said DIFFA’s Interim Executive Director, Barbara Prete. “We’re grateful for the generosity of all of the program affiliates and are thrilled to present these special collections and designs to BDNY and NeoCon East audiences.”

In addition to the goodwill a company generates by participating in Specify With Care®, DIFFA offers its affiliates PR and marketing opportunities, as well as exposure at tradeshows and events. Companies interested in participating can contact Steven Williams at swilliams@diffa.org or visit www.diffa.org for more information.

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.

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that DIFFA’s Board of Trustees announces Johanna Osburn’s departure as Executive Director, effective October 19, 2017.

For the last four years, Johanna has stewarded the growth of the organization and helped DIFFA National and chapters increase their grantmaking to organizations fighting HIV/AIDS. Leveraging the generosity of designers, architects, and manufacturers, she has focused DIFFA’s work on the importance and urgency of our mission. We thank her for her contributions to strengthen the organization and build a strong foundation for the years ahead.
Over the next several months, the Board will conduct a search for the next Executive Director of DIFFA. We will share the job announcement and ask our community to identify candidates we may consider to join DIFFA as its next executive director in its next chapter of success.

DIFFA has appointed Barbara Prete to serve as the interim executive director and assist the organization through the transition period with stable and effective leadership and ensure our mission continues. Barbara is an award-winning journalist and finance expert who brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience, including a significant number of years as executive director.

Again, we wish Johanna the best as she enters the next stage of her career providing support to the LGBTQ community. The Board and staff are excited for the next chapter for DIFFA and are prepared to ensure its success and growth.

We also want to thank all of you who have given to DIFFA and look forward to your continued support of our mission to raise awareness and grant funds to fight HIV/AIDS.

Annual Grant Reception to feature special honor for Kravet Inc.

New York, NY (October 2017) – With health care costs on the rise in the United States, individuals with pre-existing conditions face the dilemma in funding life-saving treatment and care. Recognizing the critical role of local nonprofits and community-based organizations in offering a solution to this issue, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) grants funds annually to support organizations nationwide that provide education, treatment, and prevention to individuals living or at risk of HIV/AIDS. This year, DIFFA will grant $331,500 to 31 organizations dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS. The 2017 grantees will be recognized at the annual Grants and Giving Celebration on Wednesday, November 8 at Current at Chelsea Piers.

“We are thrilled to present these grants to a diverse group of community and national non-profits that are working daily to provide care to thousands of individuals impacted by HV/AIDS, DIFFA board chair Cindy Allen said. “We are proud to invest in their efforts to achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure those living with HIV have a high-quality of life and care.”

This special evening will also honor Kravet Inc., a fifth-generation family business and leading distributor of fabrics, furniture, wall coverings and more. Kravet Inc., is a long-standing supporter of a variety of organizations addressing local and national causes. For more than a decade, Kravet has supported and contributed to a number of DIFFA initiatives such as Specify With Care and number of fundraisers including DINING BY DESIGN.

“We are honored by DIFFA’s acknowledgment and to support a cause that is so important to this industry. As we celebrate our past and inspire the future of design, our company is committed to aligning ourselves with organizations like DIFFA that are devoted to improving the lives of the HIV/AIDS community,” said Lisa Kravet, executive vice president, Kravet Inc.

The Grants and Giving Celebration will gather 200 of DIFFA’s key stakeholders and community leaders to introduce DIFFA National’s 2017 grantees representing 31 organizations nationwide. The grant recipients serve critical areas and target populations including homeless individuals, the LGBT community, youth ages 13-24, people of color, elderly 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.

DIFFA National’s 2017 Grantees include:

ACRIA
AID Atlanta
AIDS Leadership Foothills-Area Alliance (ALFA)
Ali Forney Center
Allies for Health + Wellbeing
Alpha Workshops
Bailey House
BOOM!Health
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
Equality Federation Institute
GMHC
God’s Love We Deliver
HEAT Program (The Research Foundation for SUNY)
HMI (Hetrick-Martin Institute)
Housing Works
JBT Foundation, Inc.
Jerusalem House
North Idaho AIDS Coalition
Peter & Paul Community Services
Planned Parenthood of New York City, Inc.
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE)
Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation
Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS (SWHIV)
The Aliveness Project
The Correctional Association of New York
The Doe Fund
Trillium Health
Vermont CARES
Visual AIDS for the Arts, Inc.
Voices of Community Activists and Leaders (VOCAL-NY)
Washington Heights CORNER Project

Sponsorships, group, and individual tickets are available for purchase at www.diffa.org/grantreception/ For more information about DIFFA and its 2017 grantees visit diffa.org.

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.

Media Contacts:

Shanea Phillips
sphillips@diffa.org
646-380-4195

Novitá Communications
Danielle McWilliams / Katie Bone
Danielle@novitapr.com/ katie@novitapr.com
212-528-3160