March 1, 2012
DIFFA/Dallas Presents Collection 2012: "Smoking Haute"
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Dallas, TX - North Texas' standout organization raising funds for preventative education and services for men, women & children affected by HIV/ AIDS, DIFFA/Dallas, has unveiled plans for Collection, the organization's largest annual fundraising event.
This year's event, titled SMOKING HAUTE, sees the signature gala in its 22nd year. Known for being one of the most stylish annual events in Dallas, it will once again be at the top of the city's not-to-be-missed soirees.
Taking place on Saturday, March 31st at The Hilton Anatole, the night promises to be filled with the hottest fashions and attendees. The grand-scale event, inspired by YSL's 1966 creation- Le Smoking, will provide a luxurious experience with an exciting mix of runway show, theatrical production and an auction featuring one-of-a-kind couture tuxedo-style smoking jackets for men and women created by top name designers.
Design and production aficionados Jan Strimple and Brian Brothers serve as the co-creative directors/producers of the DIFFA/Dallas extravaganza, and will be dazzling guests as they enjoy a seated dinner while feasting their eyes on a provocative runway show featuring this year's exclusive smoking jacket collection.
For those who contribute to the cause at the $10,000 level, the designing duo conceptualized select 11'x11' VIP couture table areas within the venue, which will feature individual stylistic themes and provide personalized butler service during the event. The fundraiser's grand finale will be a "backstage" VIP after party complete with DJ Wade Hampton, resident DJ at the Ghostbar.
DIFFA/Dallas focuses on raising and granting funds to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS by providing preventative education programs targeted to at-risk populations, treatment and direct care services for people living with or impacted by the disease, and that support public policy initiatives which add resources to private sector funds. DIFFA/Dallas plays a major part in this HIV/AIDS funding initiative, and is the Foundation's largest and most successful chapter in the country.
DIFFA plays a major part in HIV/AIDS funding, awareness and prevention education in the North Texas area, having granted over $4.5 million dollars since 1988. The Dallas chapter is the Foundation's largest and most successful in the country and has made significant financial contributions to AIDS Service Organizations in the North Texas area.
The DIFFA grants process includes site visits, fiscal scrutiny, and personal interviews with potential grantees to insure that funds are appropriated where they can do the most good. www.diffadallas.org
Event and ticket information can be found at www.diffadallas.org
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
