DIFFA’s Angels & Demons Gala took over the iconic Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Thursday, March 19, transforming the Gothic arches into a world of divine mischief to support DIFFA’s mission of combating HIV/AIDS, food and housing insecurities, and mental health challenges. The sold-out event raised over $400k for the cause, with more than 300 guests in attendance.
The evening centered on honoring Fern Mallis—Founder of New York Fashion Week, and a founding DIFFA board member—for her decades of advocacy. A major highlight was a special couture presentation by Christian Siriano, who debuted five captivating gowns inspired by GROHE fixtures and the “Transformative Power of Water.” Guests enjoyed a candlelit dinner amidst whimsical installations designed by students from Pratt Institute, NYSID, and SVA, while being treated to soul-stirring performances by soprano Jamie Gagliano and Carnegie Hall veteran David Santiago.
Notable Guests Included: Honoree Fern Mallis; DIFFA Executive Director Dawn Roberson; Board Chairman Tom Polucci (HOK); event hosts Christian Siriano, Reem Acra, and Jamie Drake; as well as Kenneth Cole, architect R. Scott Bromley; President & CEO of Fashion Group International, Maryanne Grisz; Jamie Gagliano and David Santiago.
“With federal funding for essential programs at risk, last night’s fundraising provides a critical lifeline for organizations advancing care and health equity across the country,” said Dawn Roberson, Executive Director of DIFFA. “Since its inception, DIFFA has awarded more than $60 million to frontline nonprofits, and the evening was a powerful reminder of this industry’s ability to drive meaningful change. We extend our deepest thanks to our sponsors, supporters, performers, host committee, and all who joined us for their unwavering support.”
DIFFA’s incredibly generous “Angels & Demons” gala sponsors include Media Sponsors Galerie, Modern Luxury Interiors, Modern Luxury Manhattan, and The Comm Sheet; National Sponsors Benjamin Moore and Mohawk; Annual Gold Sponsors HOK, Rockwell Group, Steelcase, MillerKnoll, EvensonBest, and Florim; and Platinum Sponsor GROHE. They are joined by outstanding Gold Sponsors Allsteel, Gensler, HDR, Jamie Drake, Halcon NJM, and Waldner’s Business Environments. The equally amazing Silver and Bronze Sponsors are Haworth, Stylex, WB Wood, Structure Tone, Bentley Mills, HBF, and Maars, respectively.
ABOUT DIFFA
DIFFA funds organizations that provide critical support to individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS, food and housing insecurities, and mental health challenges, while expanding healthcare access for underserved communities nationwide. DIFFA works to create a future where compassion and care can transform lives. In addition to supporting organizations at the forefront of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, DIFFA’s expanded mission funds food and housing insecurities and supports mental health awareness. Without proper nutrition and housing and adequate health care, New Yorkers cannot adequately provide for themselves, and many more are at risk of contracting the virus. In 2024, DIFFA grants provided a wealth of necessary services, including funding the Ali Forney Center’s 911-alternative crisis response team, which provides mobile mediccal and mental health interventions for unhoused teens, supported the Alpha Workshops’ Studio Practice arts training program for persons living with HIV/AIDS, and the Correctional Association of New York’s programs improving health care options for incarcerated New Yorkers.