19 leading designers will create one-of-a-kind picnic baskets to be auctioned off

New York, NY (August 2016) — Close out summer on a high note by celebrating with Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) at its annual fundraiser, Picnic By Design, on Wednesday, September 7. Held in the heart of New York City at the Mercantile Annex, 19 leading designers will showcase elaborate picnic basket designs which will be available for auction. Proceeds from ticket and basket sales will help support DIFFA’s grant-making efforts to HIV/AIDS organizations across the country.

This unique fundraiser will take place from 6-9 PM EST and will feature gourmet picnic fare catered by Canard Inc, Murray’s Cheese and STK and cocktails and wine provided by Regal Wines, Clifton Dry and Benhar Office Interiors. This year, a group of talented designers will create elaborate picnic baskets following a theme of their choice. The 2016 designers include: Andrea Algaze Design Concepts, Antoinette Loupe Interiors, Anthony Morris Designs, represented by Scott Brogan Group, FXFOWLE, Gensler + KNOLL, ICRAVE, id 810 design group, IIDA NY, Matouk, M + Ph, Michele Alfano / MoDmade NY, Scott Brownrigg, Stacy Garcia Inc., Stantec Architecture, Steven South, HLW Sponsored by Geiger, Ted Moudis Associates, Vanessa Deleon Associates, and Wills Design Associates.

“We truly have a great group of designers for our 5th Annual Picnic! Each is extremely talented, creative and passionate about making a difference in the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS. DIFFA is excited to host this summer fundraiser to bring our supporters together for food, fun and great design,” said Johanna Osburn, Executive Director of DIFFA National.

In an effort to unify people across the country and spread awareness for the cause, DIFFA is inviting everyone to join the fun by participating in the #ShowUsYourPicnic campaign on social media. Host your own picnic from September 2-6 and use the hashtag to tag and view photos of outdoor gatherings from coast to coast. One lucky participant will win a complimentary ticket ($150 value) to DIFFA’s highly anticipated event, Cocktails By Design in March 2017.

Picnic By Design is supported by the generosity of the following sponsors: EVENSONBEST, Office Resources, Inc, BOLON, Mohawk Group, Blanco, Rockwell Group DRS and Associates, Corbett Lighting, Hudson Valley & Troy Lighting, DXV by American Standard, and Benhar Office Interiors. Speakers and projectors provided by Sony Life Space UX.

Tickets are now available for $150 at picnicbydesign.splashthat.com. Visit www.diffa.org to sign up for exclusive event updates.

For real-time information and inspiring images, follow the event by searching and tagging #picnicbydesign or following @DIFFAnational on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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 $41 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org.

Media Contacts:
DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS Shanea Phillips sphillips@diffa.org 646. 380.4195
Novità Alexandra Zwicky alexandra@novitapr.com