The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA)’s biggest fundraising event of the year is just a week away. 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.
DIFFA kicks off the event with a stellar lineup of VIP guests and exclusive performances for its GALA Chef’s Tasting Extravaganza, Thursday, March 24th. 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.
LAB @ Rockwell Group installation rendering.
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.
“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 Allen. “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.”
Steelcase installation rendering.
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.”
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/.
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