A Night of Grandeur at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine: Featuring Special Guests Christian Siriano and Reem Acra
The Design Industries Foundation (DIFFA) will host its highly anticipated Angels & Demons fundraising gala on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6–10 PM at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Beneath the stunning Gothic arches, the design and fashion communities will gather to honor the legendary Fern Mallis — Founder of New York Fashion Week, former Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and longtime supporter of DIFFA in its mission to combat HIV/AIDS, food and housing insecurities, and mental health challenges.
“Divine mischief” and a shared purpose will take center stage as guests are treated to cocktails and a candlelit dinner, surrounded by whimsical installations from the imaginative minds of Pratt Institute, New York School of Interior Design (NYSID), and School of Visual Arts (SVA) students. A dazzling lineup of fashion and design visionaries—Christian Siriano, Reem Acra, David Rockwell (The Rockwell Group), and Jamie Drake—will serve as event hosts, while Carnegie Hall veteran David Santiago and soprano Jamie Gagliano will enchant with their melodic performances. The evening will also feature a special narrated presentation from Christian Siriano, where the designer will showcase five captivating gowns inspired by GROHE fixtures and the “Transformative Power of Water.”
“We’re thrilled to host an elegant event that highlights how the design and fashion industries can drive meaningful change,” says Dawn Roberson, Executive Director of DIFFA. “We are especially honored to recognize Fern Mallis this year. As a founding board member of DIFFA, Fern played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s original mission to combat HIV/AIDS. Today, DIFFA has built upon that legacy to also provide support to individuals impacted by food and housing insecurity and mental health challenges. We’re excited to raise funds that will help further this vital work and continue making a difference in the communities DIFFA serves.”
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, Jamie Drake, Halcon NJM, and Waldner’s Business Environments. The equally amazing Silver and Bronze Sponsors include Haworth, WB Wood, Stylex, Structure Tone, Bentley Mills, HBF, and Maars.
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here.
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.