NEW YORK, NY – DIFFA’s upcoming GALA Chef’s Tasting Extravaganza, scheduled for Thursday, March 24 in New York City, will feature special guest Tony Award-winning actor Jane Krakowski, exclusive performances by Broadway actress and co-founder of Tony Award-winning Broadway Advocacy Coalition Amber Iman, as well as performances by Bobby Conte, Claybourne Elder and Manu Narayan from the cast of the Stephen Sondheim revival Company.. The soirée will officially kick off DIFFA’s inaugural DIFFA BY DESIGN experience, an immersive three-day event at Center 415 (415 Fifth Avenue, NYC), March 24-26.
Co-hosted by DIFFA Chairman of the Board Cindy Allen, who is celebrating her 20th year as editor-in-chief of Interior Design magazine, and architect and DIFFA Chair Emeritus David Rockwell, proceeds from the GALA and the multi-day activation will benefit DIFFA in its efforts to raise funds to help those affected by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, food scarcity, and mental health issues across the country.
“Great theater, just like great design, has a way of sparking connection and bringing people together,” says David Rockwell, founder and President of Rockwell Group. “In a moment when togetherness feels particularly meaningful, I’m both excited and grateful that this stellar line-up of Broadway artists will be lending their considerable talent to what is shaping up to be an incredible evening. As DIFFA continues its vital work, more determined than ever in the face of new challenges, our collective support on March 24 will power a world of good.”
Throughout the evening, attendees will get an exclusive first look at — and be able to lounge and sip champagne in — the dozens of design installations that will be on display at the venue. Conceived by some of the top names in the design industry — including Rockwell Group; Lauren Rottet for Rottet Studio; Maya Romanoff; HDR, Inc.; HOK; Shaw Contract; Carl Hansen & Son, and Steelcase, to name just a few — there will be 21 vignettes unveiled that will remain on view through Saturday, March 26.
Tickets to DIFFA BY DESIGN’s GALA Chef’s Tasting Extravaganza are available at diffa.org/diffa-by-design. Tickets for early admittance at 5pm are $650 and include the appearance from the cast of Company. Tickets for entry after 6 p.m. are $500 and will include appearances by Jane Krakowski and Amber Iman.
DIFFA BY DESIGN will also feature DIFFA NIGHTS, an evening event on Friday, March 25 from 7-10 p.m. Royce Epstein will be on tap to DJ the cocktail and dance party, with live performances and refreshments. DIFFA NIGHTS tickets are $75 and available to purchase here.
In addition to boasting night time events, DIFFA BY DESIGN will be open daily, Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26. Visitors can take in the design installations and programming, and shop at a special pop-up curated by lifestyle expert and TV personality Robert Verdi.
For more information about DIFFA BY DESIGN, including a more detailed schedule, and to purchase tickets, visit diffa.org/diffa-by-design/
