Put a Wreath On It

DIFFA whisks Dallasites off to France for Christmas market fundraiser

If you're one of those people who puts up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, then DIFFA/Dallas' Holiday Wreath Collection is the party for you.

The decorative-minded folks who gathered at Fashion Industry Gallery on November 15 also happened to be very much into philanthropy, as the chic soiree is a fundraiser for the direct care that DIFFA provides to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in North Texas.

Event co-chairs Meagan Camp and Karena Chisolm were the masterminds behind the annual event, now in its 23rd year, and went all out with the Marché de Noel theme. Living sculptures proffered flutes of Impeccable Brut from their Marie Antoinette-inspired skirts, while Dallas String Quartet Electric played classic Christmas tunes with a modern twist.

Up for admiration and bidding were more than 70 one-of-a-kind wreaths and accessories designed by Dan & Joseph, Brian Chaffin, Dylan's Candy Bar, Nuvo, Shane Burroughs, The Container Store, and many more. Styles ranged from traditional bows and boughs to the clever "Awreatha Franklin" and a circular tribute to the television reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

DIFFA/Dallas' chairman of the board, Lee Borchert, was spotted mingling with guests who included Allan Knight, Cearan Henley, Carol Quist, Parker Williams, Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak, Jim DiMarino, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Eduardo Gàmez, Densil Adams, Josh Mayer, Steve Weir, Matthew Carrigan, Nikki St. George, and Debra Nelson.

This year's event also featured a Christmas tree auction by Frontgate at Legacy West and an Elfa gift-wrapping station generously donated by title sponsor The Container Store. In addition to the unique and festive wreaths, attendees could also bid on the extraordinary auction packages and also get first dibs on the most valuable tables for House of DIFFA: Futuro, which will be held March 16, 2019, at the Omni Dallas hotel.

In a side room blooming with fresh flowers, Ketel One invited guests to build their own cocktail creations, which nicely washed down hors d' oeuvres from III Forks Steakhouse and Seafood and fresh crepes from Whisk Crepe Cafe. Sumptuous desserts from Rush Patisserie, Savor Macarons, La Madeleine, and Starbucks ended the night on a sweet note.

Formed in 1984, the Dallas chapter of DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) is one of the largest HIV/AIDS organizations in Texas and has since granted more than $8 million to 25 frontline HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas. For more information about the organization or to get involved, visit www.DIFFADallas.org.

Jasmine Douglas, Brooks Davenport, Darielle Carmouche, Matthew Lee

Jasmine Douglas, Brooks Davenport, Darielle Carmouche, Matthew Lee

Photo by Joseph Brewster and Thomas Garza

Jasmine Douglas, Brooks Davenport, Darielle Carmouche, Matthew Lee

cocktails shopping charity music drinks desserts holidays fundraisers young-professionals

Gala preview

Dallas' most glam fall gala to honor Hollywood superstar Charlize Theron

Universal Pictures Presents "The Odyssey" Paris Premiere

Photo by Pierre Mouton/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

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Hollywood star Charlize Theron will be the guest of honor at one of Dallas' hottest-ticket galas of 2026: She will receive amfAR's Award of Inspiration at the organization's black-tie ball on October 24.

For a second year, the glamorous fall fundraiser will take place at the home of Kathleen and Scott Kirby, a release says. Taking over where Dallas' TWO x TWO gala left off when it ended in 2024, the amFAR gala has quickly become one of Dallas' marquee social events, drawing philanthropists, collectors, and high-profile guests in support of amfAR's mission to end HIV/AIDS.

Theron, who won an Oscar for Monster, is currently on a worldwide press tour ahead of her starring role in one of the summer's biggest movies, The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of the Homer epic (opening July 17).

Beyond her film career, Theron serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), which supports organizations focused on youth health, HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and combating gender-based violence across Southern Africa.

"Charlize Theron’s longstanding support of amfAR and HIV/AIDS care and prevention through her own foundation make her an inspiration to us all," said amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford in a statement. "We are grateful to her for her tireless work and are thrilled to be able to recognize her at our event in Dallas this year."

According to amfAR, programs supported by CTAOP have reached more than 4.8 million young people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theron and the foundation also launched the Together for Her campaign with CARE and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to address gender-based violence, and later partnered with the Ford Foundation to advocate for global vaccine equity.

Founded in 1985, amfAR has invested more than $950 million in research grants supporting HIV/AIDS and other diseases in which viruses and the immune system play a significant role. Over the past 26 years, supporters in North Texas have raised more than $66.5 million to advance amFAR's ongoing HIV research and global health initiatives, the organization says.

This year's gala will feature cocktails, a seated dinner, musical performances, and a live auction offering luxury goods, travel experiences, and contemporary art. Tickets and table sponsorships are now available, starting at $2,500.

celebrities dallas gala hollywood star charlize theron amfar galas

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