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