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Fashionable philanthropists were on the list for this year's stylish House of DIFFA gala

One of the Dallas society scenes' biggest bashes recently closed out the spring gala season, and as per usual no stops went unpulled.

House of DIFFA, the major fundraising party and fashion show for DIFFA Dallas that's presented by The Louis L. Borick Foundation, lit up the Hilton Anatole on May 13 with more than 1,400 people in attendance. This year's theme was The List, hosted by co-chairs Haley Clark and Richard Rivas.

VIPs showed up early to mingle in the exclusive Don Julio and Ketel One lounge, while other excited patrons marveled at the famous collection of luxury jackets. Pieces from Michael Bush, Joseff of Hollywood, Hive & Colony, Brandon Harris, and Ese Azenabor were all up for bidding, totaling more than 70 custom jackets in all.

Aerialists wowed the crowd during a very busy cocktail hour, and then it was time to head into the ballroom for dinner.

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth performed multiple songs throughout the evening, while also acting as emcee.

After the Style Council Ambassador and DIFFA Legends runway walk it was awards time. The evening's award recipients included:

Ken Downing, Excellence in Fashion Award
Gilead Sciences, Health Award
Lee Borchet, Excellence in Design Award
Justin Bundick, Donna Fishel Community Hero Award
Fern Mallis, Legend In The Fight Against AIDS Award
DIFFA Dallas board chair David White, the Legacy of Love Award

Following the spirited live auction, which included items like a one-of-a-kind Halston fashion experience, a luxury Los Cabos getaway for two, and lots of art, Chenoweth introduced the highly anticipated fashion show presented by JSX.

Fittingly for House of DIFFA's extravagant atmosphere, the first segment was themed to Studio 54 with look-a-likes of Andy Warhol, Deborah Harry, Cher, and Halston taking the runway.

The fashion traveled through different decades and movements, like '80s glam rock, London punk rock/CBGB, Starck club, '80s rap, teen pop, grunge, hip hop, EDM, and closed with the “Metaverse.”

After the grand finale, models led attendees to the afterparty next door, where DJ Adante kept the guests dancing 'til early in the morning.

House of DIFFA 2023 Studio 54 on the runway

Photo by Lori Sapio

The runway began with a Studio 54 theme.

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.

DIFFA/Dallas has raised more than $51 million to benefit more than 20 HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas providing direct care to those living or affected by HIV/AIDS.

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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.

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