Feb. 10 – DIFFA/Chicago Auxiliary Board Hosts Gin & Jazz: Swinging For A DIFFArence
Local Not-for-profit Organization Celebrates Advancements in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS by Raising Funds and Awareness at Jazz-themed Affair
The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS/Chicago (DIFFA/Chicago) Auxiliary Board will host its fifth annual DIFFArence event on Friday, February 10, 2017 at DIRTT Environmental Solutions showroom in River North. Following the highly successful “Burlesque For A DIFFArence” as well as 2015’s “Dance For A DIFFArence” and 2014’s “Kiss For A DIFFArence,” this year’s DIFFArence will promise an eclectic rhythm-inspired vibe with dim-lighting, earthy grooves and unpredictable yet invigorating beats to celebrating the roaring 20s. The event welcomes local design and business professionals in their finest cocktail attire for a vibrant evening designed to celebrate the advancements made towards the HIV/AIDS community.
DIRTT Environment Solutions offers the perfect cool palette and echoing acoustics to showcase the indigenous sounds of the Ken Shiokawa Trio. The showroom’s imbedded virtual reality technology, shadow box millwork and sustainable features also provide an interactive setting for guests to engage and swing the night away while sampling Knickerbocker Gin in the “Bees Knees” signature cocktail provided by New Holland.
A special feature, this year’s event will also honor “Top of the Charts” nominees from various industries to recognize local rising leaders, as voted on by event attendees. Nominees include: Sheilah Carroll, Gensler (interior design); Sarah Kuchar, Sarah Kuchar Studio (interior design); Jarrett Annenberg, CBRE (real estate); Glenn Madigan, Arc Worldwide, a Leo Burnett Company (advertising); Kempe Scanlan, Kempe Activewear (sports retail); Lisa Kay, Photographer (photography); Box Studios team (interior design); Adrienne Harbarger, IA Interior Architects (interior design).
Experiential and home decor raffle items will be exhibited, including gift cards to Fleur, Ema and RPM as well as a terrarium from Sprout Home, two complimentary tickets to DIFFA/Chicago’s “Art for Life” event, Hamilton tickets and more. All raffle and ticket sales proceeds will go toward the DIFFA/Chicago Excellence In Care Awards that are granted each year to Chicago-area service agencies that provide assistance, education and outreach to those living with HIV/AIDS.
Thomas Interiors Systems along with DIRTT Environmental Solutions will serve as the evening’s joint presenting sponsor. Ruder Group will serve as platinum sponsor. Gold sponsors include IA Interior Architects, Henricksen, HBF I HBF Textiles, National Office Furniture and The Senator Group. Silver sponsors in include Level/Camira and Maharam. Raffle prize underwriters include CI, Nate Berkus and Waterworks. Photography will be provided by Aubrey Jane Photo. Catering will be provided by Inspired Catering. Victory Brewing will serve as the evening’s beer sponsor.
When:
Friday, February 10
VIP Bubbly Reception: 6 p.m. at National Office Furniture (located directly below DIRTT)
Main Event: 7 – 10 p.m.
Where:
DIRTT Environmental Solutions
325 N Wells St.Chicago, IL 60654
Tickets:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Event admission tickets = $100; VIP Bubbly Reception tickets + event admission = $125. All event and raffle tickets can be purchased online at: www.diffachicago.org.
Social media users are also encouraged to post before, during and after the event using the hashtags: #SwingingforaDIFFArence or #DIFFArence2017
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 to 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.
Seven years ago, in an effort to continue DIFFA’s reputation for innovation in fundraising, DIFFA/Chicago created an Auxiliary Board consisting of Chicago’s young design and business professionals. Our mission is to expand awareness of the growing effect of HIV/AIDS within the Chicago community to a more extensive audience.
DIFFA/Chicago 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1647A, Chicago, IL 60654
Tel: 312-644-6412 Fax: 312-644-6413
www.diffachicago.org info@diffachicago.org
