DIFFA By Design Postponed to July 9-11
In light of the current public health concerns, and with the wellbeing of supporters and guests as its highest priority, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) will postpone its signature fundraising event DIFFA By Design, originally scheduled March 26th through March 28th. DIFFA By Design will now be held July 9-11, 2020 at Center 415. All tickets and sponsorships will be honored with the new July dates.
“Public health is at the center of DIFFA’s mission. Our hearts go out to all of those who have been affected by the ongoing covid-19 outbreak. In light of widespread concerns, including those within the HIV/AIDS community who may be particularly vulnerable, we will always prioritize health & safety. By postponing DIFFA By Design, we aim to honor both the communities affected by HIV/AIDS as well as the broader public who may harbor concerns about attending events during this time. We also aim to honor our loyal supporters by giving them an opportunity to showcase their immense creativity for this important cause at a time when more people will be able to attend and take part.” Dawn Roberson, DIFFA, Executive Director
On July 9-11, DIFFA By Design visitors will have the opportunity to explore a myriad of inspiring installations created by world renowned brands, artists and designers, a cash and carry boutique featuring the latest in luxury home accessories, gifts, original art, and a series of conversations and interactive sessions led by today’s top voices in the industry. All proceeds from DIFFA By Design will be granted to organizations supporting individuals and communities affected by HIV/AIDS nationwide.
DIFFA would like to extend its gratitude to all of its sponsors, exhibitors and supporters for their patience and understanding during this time and looks forward to seeing them in July!
[See below for original press release previously posted with more details about the DIFFA By Design events planned; please visit https://diffa.org/diffa-by-design/ for the complete schedule with the new July 9-11 dates.]
DIFFA By Design Debuts March 2020 with Dining, Shopping & Entertaining Events & Experiences
Where the Design Community Comes Together: A New Three-Day Immersive Design Experience March 26-28, 2020 | New York City
Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) is proud to announce the launch of DIFFA BY DESIGN. DIFFA has transformed its signature annual fundraiser DINING BY DESIGN into a three-day immersive design experience. Held Thursday, March 26 – Saturday, March 28 at an all-new location in the heart of Manhattan, Center 415 (415 Fifth Avenue, NYC), the event features a myriad of inspiring installations, a cash and carry boutique featuring the latest in luxury home accessories, gifts, original art, and a series of conversations and interactive workshops led by today’s top voices in the industry. Funds support DIFFA’s grant-making efforts to benefit those living and affected by HIV/AIDS.
“2020 is the start of a significant new decade, one in which cities across the country including our home base of New York City are working to end the AIDS epidemic through preventative care. Yet with the recent discovery of a new HIV strain, clearly more work needs to be done. We see this as a pivotal moment to take action and to call attention to those organizations that provide treatment, direct-care services, preventive education programs, and advocacy for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS. As we look to continue to support and raise even more funds for our grantees, including Alpha Workshops, God’s Love We Deliver, and Jerusalem House in Atlanta, we have expanded and transformed our signature event into a three-day confluence of design, art, hospitality, and shopping,” says Dawn Roberson, DIFFA’s Executive Director.
The new DIFFA BY DESIGN harnesses our industry’s creative culture to create a truly unique and interactive experience. “Design is a powerful tool and, in this instance, it’s a call to action to help make a DIFFArence for those affected by HIV/AIDS. We’re calling on our community of architects, designers, artists and manufacturers to create environments that astound, inspire, and most importantly, raise money for such an important cause,” says Cindy Allen, DIFFA Board Chair and Interior Design’s Editor-in-Chief.
Guests will have the opportunity to experience DIFFA BY DESIGN through a number of different installations, special events, and activations including:
DIFFA BY DESIGN
DIFFA BY DESIGN invites local and international architects, designers, manufacturers, retailers, and other creatives to design extraordinary vignettes. This year’s event will feature an expanded array of entertaining and culinary solutions. Participants will transform a raw space into an immersive exhibit highlighting a unique design concept. Sponsors include Benjamin Moore, Cosentino, EvensonBest, Gensler, Interior Design, Knoll, Manhattan magazine, MENU, Miller Blaker, New York Design Center, Novita Communications, Rockwell Group, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Walker Ridge Construction, among others.
DIFFA BOUTIQUE AND PUBLIC VIEWING
The all-new DIFFA boutique features a curated selection of high-end home accessories, unique gifts, and original art. Visitors shop the latest in upscale interiors from world-renowned designers and artists.
Installations will be open during show hours on Friday, March 27 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. With a suggested donation of $10 for entrance.
CONVERSATIONS ON DESIGN
The DIFFA BY DESIGN Theater will host a series of design-oriented talks geared toward trade and consumers. Led by respected design professionals and tastemakers, the conversations will cover everything from professional tips of the trade to do-it-yourself consumer projects.
When: Friday, March 27 at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and Saturday, March 28 at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. (Times subject to change.)
Other special events include:
DBD GALA CHEF’S TASTING MENU
Guests mix and mingle with internationally renowned designers, architects, and innovators, view the latest in high-design upscale interiors, and receive early access to shop the DIFFA boutique, all the while savoring bountiful culinary offerings from New York’s top restaurants and gourmet food purveyors paired with specialty cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
- When: Thursday, March 28, 2020 from 5:30 – 10:30 m.
- Tickets:
VIP Experience: $400 ($350 early bird rate)
Early shopping and VIP lounge access from 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
General Admission: $250 ($200 early bird rate)
Shopping, dining, and viewing from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
After Party: $125 ($100 early bird rate)
Dessert, viewing, and shopping from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
DIFFA PLUS HAPPY HOUR
This happy hour geared toward young professionals will celebrate the power of many over one and seeks to build a special community of passionate individuals from the design industry and beyond to make a DIFFArence.
- When: Friday, March 27 from 5 – 7 p.m.
- Tickets: $50
For more information about DIFFA BY DESIGN, visit diffa.org.
ABOUT DIFFA
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. www.diffa.org.
ABOUT DIFFA BY DESIGN
DIFFA BY DESIGN, a three-day design experience and marketplace, highlights the innovative designs of interior designers, architects, manufacturers, retailers, and other creative individuals. The annual fundraising initiative features dining, entertainment, culinary experiences, and boutique shopping, creating a multifaceted event that celebrates the impact of design, while raising awareness for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Held from Thursday, March 26 – Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Center 415 (415 Fifth Avenue, NYC), it will feature a myriad of immersive designer installations, special events, and inspiring conversations.
