DIFFA/Chicago Hosts Believe 2016 Illumination Gala
DIFFA/Chicago Set to Shine a Light on the Fight Against HIV/AIDSÂ at the Believe 2016 Illumination Gala
Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS/Chicago (DIFFA/Chicago) is gearing up for its 28th annual black-tie fete – The 2016 DIFFA/Chicago Illumination Gala scheduled for June 11.
As the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, The Illumination Gala will feature an evening of enlightenment dedicated to the cause of eradicating HIV/AIDS.  To be held at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Hotel – Magnificent Mile, The Illumination Gala is set to inspire attendees as it dedicates its efforts to bringing much needed funds to Chicago-area service agencies that provide care and education to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
With preparations well underway, The Illumination Gala promises to be a memorable event that will shine a light on the fight.  Recognized as the social kickoff for NeoCon, hundreds of industry leaders and design enthusiasts are expected to attend.  Plans call for an evening of elegant dining, creative cocktails, dancing and star-studded performances from one of Chicago’s most loved and sought-after event bands – The Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra.
The Illumination Gala will also feature a series of inspiring presentations as well as its highly anticipated live auction and raffle, featuring exclusive and rarely available experiences and offerings.  The evening’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Rob Garofalo, M.D., M.P.H., who practices with a focus on pediatrics and adolescent care at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie’s Children’s Hospital.  Dr. Garofalo will present his own story about HIV/AIDS and the promising updates he is seeing. Gala co-chairs are Mary Jo Fasan of Jo Chicago, Jeremy T. Davis of Steelcase and Brigg Klein of Neiman-Marcus.
Event sponsors include Herman Miller as Legacy Benefactor and The Design Center at the Merchandise Mart as Sustaining Benefactor. Steelcase will serve as this year’s Presenting Sponsor. Contract Magazine will return as the event’s National Media Sponsor. Modern Luxury/Interiors Chicago will be the Gala’s local media sponsor.  Host sponsors include Shaw Contract Group, Arlen Music Productions and Event Creative. The gala Cocktail Sponsor is Mesirow Financial. Wystar Design will serve as the Brand Design & Sponsor.
Proceeds from the Gala go to Chicago-area service agencies providing assistance, education and outreach to those living with HIV/AIDS.
This year, ten agencies received Excellence in Care grants from the organization in addition to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Fellowship.  These recipients are:
Advocacy and Education
Legal Council of Health Justice / Howard Brown Center
Northwestern University (Impact)
Youth Outlook
Employment
Chicago House
Food / Nutrition Services
Alexian Brothers / Bonaventure House
Heartland Health Outreach – Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care
Counseling
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation
University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital (Care2Prevent)
Vida/SIDAOpen Door Clinic
Research
Northwestern Medicine Fellowship
About DIFFA/Chicago
DIFFA/Chicago (The Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) is a not-for- profit Fundraising and grant making foundation that distributes funds to Chicago area HIV/ AIDS Service agencies that provide direct services, preventative education and outreach to people who are HIV   positive, living with AIDS or at risk for infection. Founded in 1984, DIFFA has granted more than $40 million to hundreds of community- based organizations nationwide. For more information visit diffachicago.org.
