If it wasn't immediately obvious how muscled, shirtless elves fit the "vintage white Christmas" theme of DIFFA/Dallas's 22nd Holiday Wreath Collection, guests didn't seem to mind.
Chicly clad and stylishly shod attendees of the annual fundraiser were greeted by a few of Santa's buff little helpers as they walked the snowy white carpet into Fashion Industry Gallery for a night of intense bidding and festive merriment.
Up for grabs were 60 one-of-a-kind wreaths, works of art, and curated accessories, the proceeds of which benefit local HIV/AIDS service organizations. The extraordinary wreaths were designed by Dan & Joseph, Allan Knight & Associates, James Martin Furniture, Todd Oldham, Brendan Bass, Brian Chaffin, Cristina Ayala, Johnny Johnson, Shane Walker Design, Simply Elegant Dallas, Tractor Beam, and Dallas Design Supply.
DIFFA/Dallas’ chairman of the board, Steve Weir, worked the glittering room with host Tom Hatton and his wife, Carol Hatton, welcoming guests who included Allan Knight, Steve Kemble, LeeAnne Locken, Carol Quist, Parker Williams, Jon McEwen, David Gonzalez, Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak, Jim DiMarino, Simona Beal, Jenny Anchondo, Allane O’Neil, Graeme Ross, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Darin Kunz, Clint Bradley, Justin Bundick, Meagan Camp, Eduardo Gàmez, Melissa Enriquez, Lainie Krister, Densil Adams, Lucrecia Waggoner, Ronak Assadi, Karena Chisolm, Noel Rodriguez, and Lee Borchert.
Dallas band The Hip Van Winkles filled the evening with jazzy Christmas tunes while servers circulated with hors d'oeuvres courtesy of III Forks Steakhouse and Seafood. Desserts, including ice cream from Lake Highlands Creamery, satisfied the crowd's sweet tooths. Cocktails by Impeccable Rosé Brut by Steffi Burns, Republic National Distributing Company, Ben E. Keith, Macallan Scotch, and Crafthouse Cocktails got everyone in the mood to bid on not only the wreaths, but also extraordinary auction packages and first dibs on the most valuable tables for House of DIFFA: Alter Ego.
DIFFA is one of the largest and most successful fundraising organizations aiding HIV/AIDS, and DIFFA/Dallas hosts multiple events throughout the season. Founded in 1984, the Dallas chapter has since granted more than $8 million to 25 frontline HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas, providing direct care to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Phillip Murrell, Robert Forrest, Gene Taylor
