DIFFA Hosts Inaugural Pride Event at the Moxy East Village
In honor of Pride month, a well-heeled crowd came together (in-person) to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and funds for programs that provide treatment, care, preventative education, and advocacy services at the inaugural Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS Pride event in Manhattan June 21. Dressed in vibrant colors and sipping cocktails made with Fourth&Pride Vodka, guests mingled at The Ready Rooftop Bar at the Moxy East Village while taking in the skyline views—all linked by a shared passion for design and combating HIV/AIDS.
“We’ve never done a Pride event before and this is a great opportunity for all of our supporters to come together and see the whole DIFFA family again,” shared Dawn Roberson, executive director of the organization. With a sold out crowd of 150 guests, Roberson had to turn away last-minute requests that kept coming in. “Everyone came out strong,” she added.
The evening kicked off with heartfelt remarks from Roberson touching on the importance of continuous support for the cause and gratitude for all those who have contributed, as well as uplifting words from David Rockwell, founder of Rockwell Group—the design firm behind Moxy East Village—and Cindy Allen, Interior Design editor in chief. For many, the event also marked the first face-to-face reunion with friends and colleagues in more than a year. “What a proud night! Coming together for the first time since the pandemic was so emotional—and held enormous meaning—because we are all about compassion and celebrating the industry’s unique voices,” offered Allen. “Honoring Pride Month then just amplified our ongoing support for the LGBTQI+ community, and our sincere commitment to make a DIFFA-rence!”
To donate and enter the DIFFA PRIDE Raffle and Auction, go here. Bidding and entries close on June 30 at 8 p.m. ET. Event partners include ShawContract, Benjamin Moore, 3form, EvensonBest, Knoll, Sunbrella, The Ready Rooftop Bar at Moxy East Village, Fourth&Pride Vodka, and Interior Design.
