A One-Night-Only Event Championing Creative Reuse and Social Change
The annual fundraiser will take place on September 30th at Steelcase’s NYC Showroom
The Design Industries Foundation (DIFFA) is once again partnering with Sewciety NYC—an artisan collective founded by Abigail French, Regional Vice President at Steelcase and Katie Buhl, Associate Principal at Unispace—to host its now-annual Threads for Impact fundraiser. Taking place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 6–9 PM at Steelcase’s Columbus Circle showroom (4 Columbus Circle), this one-night-only event will spotlight sustainability and creative reuse in the design industry. Throughout the evening, local artisans, interior designers, and manufacturers will showcase discarded textiles transformed into innovative, functional, and wearable works of art, all available for purchase.
“Threads for Impact continues to demonstrate how ingenuity, sustainability, and community can come together to inspire significant change,” says Dawn Roberson, Executive Director of DIFFA. “Through our growing collaboration with Sewciety NYC, we’re creating meaningful opportunities to engage people with both the artistry of the work and its larger impact. DIFFA and Sewciety NYC were invited to participate in this spring’s Field + Supply event, where the collection was warmly received and introduced our mission to new audiences. Building on that momentum, DIFFA is excited to unveil new creations at our Threads for Impact event—engaging the design industry to raise critical funds, give back, and showcase the craft and creative reuse at the heart of Sewciety.”
“Design should honor the materials we use, the hands that craft them, and the communities we serve,” French notes. “Katie and I are thrilled to bring the industry together to repurpose textiles, support DIFFA’s crucial mission, and partner with Steelcase in their incredible New York space.” Buhl adds, “At its core, Threads for Impact proves that artistry and philanthropy go hand in hand. We’re transforming materials destined to be discarded to lasting change—bringing people together to create, innovate, and give back.”
Once destined for landfills, each textile has been beautifully repurposed into bespoke quilts, totes, pillows, wine bags, and jackets, meticulously handcrafted by a diverse group of architecture & design industry artisans. Guests can enjoy drinks and light bites while shopping for or bidding on the selection of upcycled creations. This year will see an exciting collaboration with Benjamin Moore and surprise designer partnerships take place, further elevating the Threads for Impact experience. VIP tickets—which are available for purchase at $150—include early entry to browse the one-of-a-kind pieces, an exclusive meet-and-greet with the designers, and a special champagne toast at the event start. Individual Tickets are $125. Those unable to attend can still play a pivotal role in the fundraising efforts with the Remote Bidder Package, allowing registrants to bid on the stunning assortment of quilts and jackets featured in the online auction. Tickets can be purchased at the link here.
DIFFA and Sewciety would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the generous event sponsors, which include National Sponsors Benjamin Moore and Mohawk Group and Annual NY Sponsors EvensonBest, FLORIM, HOK, MillerKnoll, Rockwell Group, and Steelcase.
All proceeds will go toward advancing DIFFA’s mission of assisting those impacted by food and housing insecurities, mental health challenges, and HIV/AIDS.
ABOUT DIFFA
DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation) mobilizes the design industries’ creativity, influence, and resources to improve lives and advance health equity nationwide. DIFFA grants funds to organizations providing life-saving care and access to healthcare for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as programs addressing food insecurity, housing instability, LGBTQ+ support, and mental health services.
Since its founding, DIFFA has awarded more than $59 million to hundreds of nonprofits across the country—responding to evolving community health needs and helping build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities. DIFFA proudly holds a 4-star, 98% rating from Charity Navigator, demonstrating transparency, accountability, and donor trust.
Through the power of design, advocacy, and collective action, DIFFA continues to make a DIFFArence. Learn more at www.diffa.org.
ABOUT SEWCIETY
Sewciety is a collaborative design collective launched by Abigail French (Steelcase) and Katie Buhl (Unispace). What began as a creative outlet has grown into a powerful platform for sustainability and social good—uniting designers, industry professionals, and makers to give new life to discarded textiles.