The 2018-19 season was a very successful one for DIFFA/Dallas, and supporters recently gathered at Samuel Lynne Galleries to celebrate by doing what they do best: helping out others.
Thousands of funding dollars were distributed to 23 deserving North Texas HIV/AIDS service organizations (ASO’s). Including grant allocations from this year, DIFFA/Dallas has exceeded $9 million in grants for HIV/AIDS direct care services and education to local AIDS service organizations and the DIFFA national fund.
On hand to toast with cocktails was DIFFA/Dallas 2018-19 board chair Lee Borchert, who introduced incoming board chair Tim Garippa while also expressing gratitude to all the season's sponsors and board members. The pair also presented gifts to last season's Style Council.
Spotted in the crowd were Don Gaiser, Parker Williams, Preston Watson, Densil Adams, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Bryan Loving, Brian Brothers, Steve Weir, Jim Sheehan, David Putnam, Paul Hollowell, Ronak Assadi, David Gonzalez, Lea Fisher, JD Miller, Rob Robertson, Stacy Coulter, Brent Christopher, Eduardo Gamez, Stephanie Parnell, Brian Whitlock, Carol and Tom Hatton, and Carlos Nicholls.
The record-breaking funds will be used for education, transportation, housing, mental health, and meal programs for those infected with or impacted by HIV/AIDS, especially women, children, and those in low-income situations.
The grant recipients for 2019 are A Sister's Gift, AIN (Access and Information Network), AIDS Walk South Dallas, AIDS Outreach Center, AIDS Services of Dallas (PWA), Bryan's House, Children's Medical Center ARMS Clinic, Cook Children's Medical Center, Dallas Hope Charity, East Texas Cares, GMDAF, Health Services of North Texas, JPS Health Network, Legacy Counseling Center, Legal Hospice, Prism Health, Resource Center, Samaritan House, Sonya’s House, TWU, UT Southwestern, UNT, and White Rock Friends.
DIFFA is one of the largest and most successful fundraising organizations aiding HIV/AIDS with chapters in Dallas, New York, Chicago, Kansas City, San Francisco, and Seattle. The Dallas chapter, formed in 1984, is one of the largest HIV/AIDS organizations in Texas that provides funding to local HIV/AIDS service organizations within our community. Highlighting the design community, DIFFA/Dallas hosts multiple events throughout the season.
The 2020 season will kick off with Burgers and Burgundy on October 11, 2019, followed by Wreath on November 14, and conclude with the spectacular House of DIFFA gala on May 16, 2020. Event and ticket information can be found at www.diffadallas.org.
Eduardo Gamez, John Carlo, Steph Parnell
