DIFFA/Dallas has forever altered backyard cookouts with its annual Burgers & Burgundy fundraiser. For the seventh annual rendition, return hosts Karen and Bill Seanor welcomed supporters to their outdoor oasis for this party favored by charitable foodies.
At the behest of John Tesar, chefs from near and far participated in this year’s event, churning out gourmet sliders for attendees to enjoy with their Burgundy wine and cocktails. Among those on the roster were Brian Luscher (Luscher’s Red Hots and The Grape), Justin Brunson (Old Major in Denver), Blaine Staniford (Grace in Fort Worth), and Kevin Williamson (Ranch 616 in Austin).
Standouts included Matt McCallister’s beef Filament burger with griddled onions, Dijonnaise, pickles, and American cheese; Sharon Van Meter’s Peking duck burger, and Rodman Shields’ “notorious P.I.G.”
Post burger buffet, event chair Olivia Zokai and honorary chair Terry Provencal welcomed the 10-piece Limelight Band, one of the more impressive entertaining acts of this season. When they sang “Oh, What A Night,” every guest was feeling the beat.
The night also featured the cleverly named Pawkitecture, in which modern dog houses built by local architecture and design firms were auctioned off. Sales directly benefited DIFFA Dallas. Equally important was the announcement of the 2016 Style Council, which helps raise awareness about the organization and continues efforts in the education and prevention of HIV/AIDS throughout North Texas.
DIFFA/Dallas chairman of the board Justin Bundick introduced this new flock of ambassadors that includes Kurt Anderson, Stefani Burns, Kim Burgan, Tim Flannery, JL Forke, Bob Gibbs, Cearan Henley, Carinthia Kishaba, Jason Alexander Parker, Tom Reddick, Courtney Westmoreland Rider, Carmen Surgent, and Shelby Wagner. Style Council Ambassadors donate their time to various AIDS service organizations across North Texas to become better educated about those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, and they are crucial in aiding DIFFA/Dallas fundraising efforts.
Spotted on the scene were Nicole Seanor, Ron Corning, Anne and Steve Stodghill, John Carlo, Brittanie and Jason Oleniczak, Sami Abboud, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Chuck Steelman, LeeAnne Locken, Darin Kunz, Drew Ginsburg, Melissa Rountree, Linda Snorina, Cary and Mark Deuber, Courtney Westmoreland Rider, Morgan Gianni, Ivana Hall, Julian Leaver, Javier Burkle, Norma Johnson, Richard Bequette, Jody and Kyle Stein, and Don Gaiser.
House of DIFFA 2016, with a theme of “CIRCO Rouge,” is set for May 21 at the Omni Dallas hotel. Expect a mix of philanthropy, theatrics, and that legendary runway production with approximately 2,000 of your friends.
DIFFA/Dallas has provided funds to more than 25 frontline AIDS service organizations in North Texas, which assist over 23,000 men, women, and children in the area who are living with or are affected by AIDS.
Scott Kehn, Chuck Steelman, Kyle Stein, Jody Stein
Fly By Midnight.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Carter Brown.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Landon Richie.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Liliana Villarreal, Kelley Robinson, Brandon Wolf, Dustin Vyers.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Cynt MarshallPhoto by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Jason Lamoreaux and Black Tie Dinner beneficiaries.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company