DIFFA’s First In-Person Event of 2021 is Here
DIFFA’S FIRST IN-PERSON EVENT OF 2021 WILL COLOR NEW YORK IN RAINBOWS
Fundraising Auction will Reunite Community in Celebration of Pride Month
DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) is thrilled to announce its first in-person event since the start of the pandemic. “DIFFA Pride,” presented by Shaw Contract Summer of Color Series, will take place Monday, June 21 from 5–8pm at The Ready Rooftop Bar atop the hip Moxy East Village hotel designed by Rockwell Group in New York. Additional partners include Benjamin Moore, 3form, Sunbrella, Knoll, Inc., EvensonBest, and Moxy, as well as Interior Design. Guests to this intimate affair are encouraged to arrive decked out in bright, festive colors in celebration of Pride. The evening will also feature a raffle and auction for design lovers and a social media activation across the country. The much-anticipated soirée will be the first stop on Shaw Contract’s summer-long campaign to promote social equity and raise funds in support of DIFFA and its grantees in cities across the country.
“As long-standing hosts within the design industry, we knew this moment, where the quarantine ends and Pride Month begins, would be the perfect opportunity to reunite the community, and what better way to do that than through DIFFA’s inclusive and committed mission,” says DIFFA’s Executive Director, Dawn Roberson. “The event’s location in Lower Manhattan—the birthplace of American counterculture, outsider art, LGBTQ+ activism, and the home of generations of immigrants—sets the perfect stage for our event which celebrates those who have always challenged societal norms and stood for equality and acceptance”
“DIFFA has always been a safe and welcoming space for all, promoting creativity and self-expression,” comments Cindy Allen, Editor in Chief of Interior Design and DIFFA Board Chairman. “We are thrilled to be able to share a space together once more! For those who can’t make it to the NYC celebration but still want to make a DIFFA-rence, we encourage you to post photos on social media throughout the week in colorful attire, joyously (and safely) gathering together—and don’t forget to tag @diffanational and make a donation if you can!”
Libations will be provided by Fourth & Pride, an ongoing LGBTQ ally and supporter. Tickets will be $200 and for health & safety reasons, only a limited quantity will be available. An auction and raffle of vibrant outdoor furnishings, home accessories, and hospitality experiences will take place virtually during the celebration through the end of June, so even those not in attendance can support the cause by buying raffle tickets and bidding. Visit https://DIFFAPRIDE.givesmart.com or text DIFFAPRIDE to 76278 for updates on auction items and how to bid.
ABOUT DIFFAÂ
Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that provide treatment, direct care services, preventive education programs, and advocacy for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS, as well as related challenges, including drug abuse and homelessness, which directly impact new HIV/AIDS infections. 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. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national foundation based in New York City with chapters and community partners across the country that, working together, have provided more than $45 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. Recent recipients of DIFFA grants include: Alpha Workshops, Gay Mens Heath Crisis, Housing Works, God’s Love We Deliver, Bailey House, Correctional Association of NY, SAGE, BOOM! Health, Hetrick-Martin Institute, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, among many others. www.diffa.org.
