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