IFFA National To Introduce 26 Grantees Combating HIV/AIDS Nationwide
DIFFA to host annual Grant Reception on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 to highlight 2016 grantees
New York, NY (November 10, 2016) –Despite many advances in care, prevention and survival rights over the last three decades, HIV/AIDS remains an epidemic and organizations across the country are in critical need of funding. In recognition of its annual giving, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) will host its DIFFA National Grant Reception on Tuesday, November 15 from 6-9pm. Hosted on the waterfront venue Current at Chelsea Piers, the event will introduce DIFFA National’s 2016 grantees representing 26 organizations dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS across the country. Sponsorships, group, and individual tickets are available for purchase at diffagrantreception.splashthat.com.
“Year after year, organizations from New York City and across the nation look to DIFFA National for support of the programs they provide for prevention, care and advocacy. We are thrilled to present these grants to such 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 Johanna Osburn. “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.”
The Grant Reception will gather leaders of HIV/AIDS organizations and DIFFA’s key stakeholders over specialty cocktails and appetizers to recognize each organization for its work on the ground. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind designs by Robert Verdi, Vanessa DeLeon and Tyler Wisler from the Art Of Patron project and will include items from Cynthia Gale, Michael Aram, Kravet, Frette, Hansgrohe and Moooi. Proceeds from the reception and auction will help support DIFFA’s grants in the coming year.
The 2016 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.
Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has granted more than $42 million to support hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the country combating HIV/AIDS through preventive education, treatment, direct care and advocacy.
For more information about DIFFA and its 2016 grantees visit diffa.org.
DIFFA National’s 2016 Grantees:
AIDS Leadership Foothills-area Alliance (ALFA)
Ali Forney Center
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
Lantern Community Services
Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education
Peter & Paul Community Services
Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force
Planned Parenthood of New York City, Inc.
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE)
Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation
The Correctional Association of New York
The Doe Fund
Trillium Health
Voices of Community Activists and Leaders (VOCAL-NY)
Washington Heights CORNER Project
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 $42 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org.
Media Contacts:
DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS
Shanea Phillips
sphillips@diffa.org
6463804195
Novita Communications
Danielle McWilliams/Alexandra Zwicky
Danielle@novitapr.com/alexandra@novitapr.com
DIFFA LAUNCHES PICNIC BY DESIGN IN LA AT WESTEDGE DESIGN FAIR, NOV.3-6, 2016
FEATURING VIP COCKTAIL PARTY ON NOV. 5
Santa Monica, CA
WHAT: DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS will launch Picnic By Design LA at the WestEdge Design Fair (booth # 300), November 3-6. The fundraising exhibit will showcase stunning designer picnic baskets that will be displayed during the show and auctioned online. There will be a ticketed VIP Picnic By Design cocktail party on Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 3-6PM. Tickets for the party are $50 online.
WHERE: WestEdge Design Fair
WestEdge Outdoor lounge, Designed by Roche Bobois,
The Barker Hangar (3021 Airport Avenue, Suite 203, Santa Monica)
WHEN: Picnic By Design Exhibit, Thursday, November 3- Sunday, November 6 (online auction closes at 5:45PM on November 5.) General admission exhibit tickets are $50 or free for registered WestEdge attendees.
Picnic By Design Cocktail Party, Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 3-6PM. Picnic By Design guests will enjoy an afternoon of delicious food and drinks in the luxurious WestEdge outdoor lounge, designed by Roche Bobois.
WHO: Hosted by Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA). The 2016 Picnic By Design leading designers are: Barclay Butera Interiors, FORMA International, FOUR POINT Design+Construction, Gensler, James Hernandez Interior Design, MATOUK, Melinda Ritz Interiors, Nadia Geller Designs, Inc. and Nicole Sassaman. Supported by the generosity of the following sponsors: Interior Design Magazine, LA Mart and WestEdge Design Fair. More details are available: www.diffa.org/picnic-by-design/picnic-by-design-la/
SOCIAL MEDIA: For real-time information and inspiring images, follow the event by 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 $42 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 Communications
Alexandra Zwicky
alexandra@novitapr.com
212.528.3160 x 14
Tickets and Sponsorships Now Available at Diffa.org
New York, NY (September 12, 2016) — On November 5, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) will launch the California edition of its ever-popular fundraiser, Picnic By Design, in partnership with WestEdge Design Fair. Picnic By Design is DIFFA’s annual event that invites designers, architects and artists to create elaborate picnic baskets which are showcased, celebrated and donated for auction. During this special addition to the fourth annual WestEdge Design Fair, guests can view and bid on the specialty baskets throughout the show and online from November 3-5. Tickets and sponsorships are now available by visiting pbdla.com.
The WestEdge Design Fair features more than 150 of the world’s best designers, artisans and manufacturers to Los Angeles for a three-day showcase reaching 12,000 attendees. In addition to the displays, there will be live demonstrations, educational panel discussions, book signings and more. The Picnic By Design displays will showcase picnic baskets designs from industry talents across the country, and garner support and awareness for the continued fight against HIV/AIDS.
“DIFFA is excited to partner with the energetic leadership at WestEdge Design Fair to bring Picnic By Design to LA! We know there is an incredibly generous and growing design community in Southern California that are willing to join the fight against HIV/AIDS—and this is an incredible opportunity to raise funds and awareness. We look forward to the start of this partnership and are grateful for the generosity of all involved!” said Johanna Osburn DIFFA executive director.
While the city is different, the concept remains the same. Leading architects, designers and industry talents will create over-the-top picnic baskets that will be displayed and available for purchase at the fair as part of an online auction. On Saturday, November 5 from 3-6 p.m., Picnic By Design guests will enjoy an afternoon of food and fine wine in the WestEdge outdoor lounge, designed and furnished by Roche Bobois. The lucky winners will be announced at the closing of the auction.
“We’re thrilled to welcome DIFFA back to LA to host the inaugural West Coast edition of Picnic by Design. Having worked with DIFFA for several years in New York, we are excited to collaborate to showcase the immense design talent in the area and support a great cause. It is awe inspiring and heartwarming to see the efforts, ingenuity, and goodwill every one of the designers puts toward their baskets and ultimately, toward DIFFA as seen in other events held nationally,” said Megan Reilly of WestEdge Design Fair.
The AIDS issue is far from over, and DIFFA continues to create innovative events to raise awareness and much-needed funding. Picnic by Design will bring the enormous local talent together to celebrate creativity and community and to support programs that directly address HIV/AIDS with education, diagnosis and outreach.
Picnic By Design is hosted in cities throughout the country such as New York and Las Vegas and is part of DIFFA’s efforts to create innovative events to raise awareness and critical funds toward its mission to support HIV/AIDS organizations across the country. Tickets and sponsorships are now available at pbdla.com. For more information about DIFFA and its fundraising efforts visit www.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 $41 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide.www.diffa.org.
About WestEdge Design Fair
WestEdge is a three-day annual event offering the best in modern design, all in an environment designed to engage, entertain and inspire. Held each fall at Santa Monica’s historic Barker Hangar, the fair offers the opportunity to shop from premium home furnishings brands-many new to the West Coast and meet the designers behind thousands of inspiring products. In addition, attendees gain insight from leading names in the design industry with a full series of educational programs and special events. For tickets and additional details, visit www.WestEdgeDesignFair.com.
5TH Annual Picnic By Design successfully celebrates design while raising critical funds for HIV/AIDS
New York, NY (September 8, 2016) — On Wednesday evening, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS hosted its largest and most successful Picnic By Design New York to-date with over $50,000 raised toward its grant making efforts. More than 200 people filled the indoor/outdoor space at the Mercantile Annex, an awe-inspiring all-white venue in the heart of the New York City, to enjoy a festive evening in support of DIFFA. Twenty leading designers created and donated vibrant, themed picnic baskets filled with key picnic essentials for attendees to place their bid.
“Over the last five years, we have seen Picnic By Design grow into one of our favorite fundraisers of the year, bringing together a diverse group of designers and attendees. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity from our supporters who lend their time, talent and donations to help us increase our grants to fight HIV/AIDS, here in New York and across the country,” said Johanna Osburn, DIFFA executive director. The success of Picnic By Design was made possible with the help from generous sponsors including EvensonBest and Office Resources.
Picnic By Design attendees were able to enjoy gourmet picnic fare catered by Canard Inc. and sample food from popular NYC establishments STK, Murray’s Cheese and Mr. Bing. While lounging on outdoor furniture by Ernst and Herman Miller, guests sipped on specialty cocktails provided by Benhar Office Interiors, Cliffton Dry, Corralejo Tequila and Regal Wines. The mood was set with music played through the Sony Life Space UX Glass Sound speakers stationed around the venue. At the end of the night and the closing of the silent auction, twenty lucky guests went home with one-of-a-kind designer baskets created by the city’s top designers.
The 2016 designers included: Andrea Algaze Design Concepts, 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
“I’ve had the honor of participating in Picnic By Design for the last few years and I am so pleased to have my basket [and previous baskets] displayed alongside a variety of talented designers. I’m grateful to the dedicated staff at DIFFA, our amazing industry who are loyal supporters and generous donors, who made this yet another successful event. It really speaks to the power of design and collaboration,” said interior designer Vanessa Deleon.
Picnic By Design is also hosted in cities throughout the country such as Las Vegas and Austin, Texas. DIFFA will launch the first-ever Picnic By Design LA in partnership with WestEdge Design Fair on November 5, 2016 at the The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. For more information about DIFFA and its fundraising efforts visit www.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 $41 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org.
Media Contact:
DIFFA:
Shanea Phillips
Sphillips@diffa.org
6463804195
Novita
Alexandra Zwicky
alexandra@novitapr.com
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
Tickets and Sponsorships Now Available at Diffa.org
New York, NY (July 2016) —On September 7, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) will host its fifth annual summer soiree and fundraiser, Picnic By Design®. This year’s event will be held at the Mercantile Annex in midtown, and will feature one-of-a-kind picnic baskets created by some of New York City’s top tastemakers. More than 200 designers, manufacturers and artists are expected to gather for a festive evening, while bidding on picnic baskets and enjoying gourmet picnic fare and specialty cocktails to support DIFFA’s work to fight HIV/AIDS.
“This event grows each year and continues to serve as a platform for young and emerging designers to raise awareness for the cause while celebrating epic design,” said Dawn Roberson, Director of Special Events at DIFFA.
Now in its 5th year in New York City, 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. Guests will view and bid on more than 20 specialty baskets, filled with key picnic essentials and gadgets. Some of this year’s basket designers include: Antoinette Loupe Interiors, KWG Design, Mee Tran + Phuong Huyn, MoDmade NY, Stacy Garcia, FXFOWLE, VDA Designs, Wills Design Associates, and Stantec Architecture.
“We are thrilled to have the support of so many exceptional individuals and companies who donate their time and talents to DIFFA to make this event truly unique. Picnic By Design allows us to engage new and old supporters in a more casual environment, while showcasing top designs all in efforts to further our mission,” said Johanna Osburn, Executive Director at DIFFA.
Current Picnic By Design sponsors include Bolon, Blanco, Interior Design, Canard Inc., Murray’s Cheese, Corralejo Tequila and Cliffton Dry. For more information on sponsorship opportunities contact Dawn Roberson at droberson@diffa.org. Tickets are now available at picnicbydesign.splashthat.com for $125, with prices increasing to $150 on August 25. Visit www.diffa.org to sign up for exclusive event updates.
For real-time information and inspiring images, follow DIFFA on Facebook (@diffanational), Twitter (@diffanational) and Instagram (@diffanational). The official hashtag for the event is #picnicbydesign.
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 Contact:
DIFFA:
Shanea Phillips
Sphillips@diffa.org
6463804195
Alexandra Zwicky
alexandra@novitapr.com