DIFFA's Much-Anticipated 'Dining by Design' Fundraiser Returns This March

New York, NY (February 2016)— DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) will gather thousands of designers, notable guests, and avid supporters at its 19th Annual DINING BY DESIGN (DBD) event this March 17-21 at Pier 92 in Midtown Manhattan. DIFFA’s largest fundraiser, DBD raises almost a million dollars annually to fight HIV/AIDS.  Recognized as one of the premier fundraising events in the design industry, it brings together internationally celebrated designers and local talent to create extraordinary dining environments. Table sponsorships are still available for the exhibit, which is co-located with the Architectural Digest Design Show. Attendees can access both events with a single ticket purchase.

“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, funders, and attendees, this year's Dining By Design is set to be another huge success. Everyone gets to enjoy the fruits of a designer’s labor—those amazing installations—while helping others in need. Together we can make a DIFFA-rence,” says DIFFA chairwoman of the board, Cindy Allen, who is also editor-in-chief at Interior Design.

Each year, DIFFA invites local and international designers to transform a raw space into a showcase of extravagant dining displays in support of the HIV/AIDS cause. The displays not only set the stage for a public viewing from Thursday until Sunday afternoon, but also for the Cocktails By Design party (Thursday, March 17) and the DIFFA Gala dinner (Monday, March 21), which are industry favorites. More than 50 talented designers, manufacturers and luxury brands will feature their latest products and designs incorporated into the final table installations for thousands of party-goers to view and dine in.

“We are excited to bring together longtime DIFFA benefactors and designer partners to produce one of the largest fundraisers for HIV/AIDS in New York City,” says Johanna Osburn, executive director at DIFFA. She adds, “As the support for our annual fundraisers, DINING BY DESIGN and Cocktails by Design continue to grow, the possibilities for DIFFA to increase awareness and touch more lives also grow. Our goal is to convey that HIV/AIDS is still a very critical issue, while merging our passion for design to create a memorable experience that will raise much needed funds.”

Table sponsorships are still available, with early bird rates ending on January 31. Current table sponsors include Event Sponsors: Henredon and Patron Tequila; Media Sponsors: Architectural  Digest, Interior Design, Manhattan Magazine, and The New York Times; Diamond Sponsors: 1stdibs, Benjamin Moore & Cosentino, and Crate and Barrel; Platinum Sponsors: Kravet, Inc., Gensler + 3form, M Moser Associates, LAB at Rockwell Group & Roche Bobois, Rockwell Group + KNOLL, and Sunbrella; Gold Sponsors: Arteriors, Bolon, Design Within Reach, Echo, EGE by Adrien Alexander, Fendi Casa, Luxe Interiors + Design, Marc Blackwell, Ralph Lauren Home and Robert Allen @ Home, SA Baxter, and Ingrao Inc., as well as Industry Sponsor, New York Design Center designed by Antonino Buzzetta. For information on sponsorships, please contact swilliams@diffa.org

For more information about DINING BY DESIGN visit diffa.org for tickets and additional information.

COCKTAILS BY DESIGN

Thursday, March 17, 7-10PM

Designers and guests will mingle and explore the dazzling installations while sampling treats from NYC’s top restaurants and gourmet food purveyors. Food will be paired with delicious wine, as well as cocktails by Patron. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on the silent auction featuring a wide array of art, photography, travel, hospitality experiences, and more. Tickets are available at cocktailsbydesign.splashthat.com for $150 until March 6, $200 after, or until capacity.

PUBLIC TABLE VIEWING

Attendees can explore the latest in design trends as they view the creative installations and shop the silent auction.

Thursday, March 17, 11 AM–3 PM. Open to Design Trade and VIP Consumer Ticket Holders. All tickets include admission to the Architectural Digest Design Show at Pier 94. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit DIFFA. Admission is complimentary for design-trade members who register online (requires two forms of professional credentials) and includes a one-year digital subscription to Architectural Digest. On-site design-trade tickets are $40. VIP Consumer tickets are $95 and include exclusive access to Design Trade Day, a gift bag, a one-year digital subscription to Architectural Digest, and admission to the Architectural Digest Design Show cocktail reception from 5–7 P.M. Tickets are good for re-entry throughout the duration of the show. 

Friday, March 18—Saturday, March 19, 11AM-7PM, Sunday, March 22, 11AM-6PM. Open to the Public. Tickets are available for $30 in advance at ADDesignShow.com. On site tickets are $40. Ticket price includes free access to The Architectural Digest Design Show. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit DIFFA.  Tickets are good for re-entry throughout the duration of the show. 

DINING BY DESIGN GALA

Monday, March 21; 6:30-11PM

At this special event, guests are invited to enjoy a festive evening dining among the impressive installations—the ultimate dining experience with A&D industry friends and fans of great design. Tickets are available for $500 until March 13; $600 after, or until capacity

About DIFFA:

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS by providing treatment and direct care services for people living with or impacted by the disease, offering preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, or supporting public policy initiatives. 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 $41 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. http://www.diffa.org.

About DINING BY DESIGN:

DINING BY DESIGN is DIFFA’s marquee event showcasing designers, manufacturers, and creative individuals who bring their vision and passion to the table. Running from March 17 – 20, 2016, in conjunction with the Architectural Digest Design Show at Pier 92, DINING BY DESIGN features an array of dining installations on display for four days, and includes exclusive special events. All event proceeds goes toward DIFFA's work to fight HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness that the fight against HIV/AIDS is not over and demonstrate the power we have to combat this disease.

Media Contacts:

DIFFA

Shanea Phillips

sphillips@diffa.org

Novita PR

Alexandra Zwicky

alexandra@novitapr.com