DETROIT –
The Michigan AIDS Coalition (MAC) in partnership with DIFFA, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, hosted two spectacular fundraising events at the Joe Dumars Fieldhouse last week, Cocktails By Design /ArtWorks Detroit Auction Sept. 13 and the Dining By Design Gala Dinner Sept. 15. This was the third year that MAC and DIFFA partnered to bring together acclaimed individuals from the worlds of interior design, art, architecture and fashion to raise money in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“I continue to be thrilled by the diversity of the artistic and design experience that we have here in Detroit, and that we can bring all this together in this event,” said Terry Ryan, executive director of MAC. “Detroit is continuing to reinvent ourselves – we’ve had to – and it is reflected in the event’s unique style.”
The Thursday event attracted over 850 people to view and bid on over 100 pieces of original artworks. On Saturday about 325 gathered for a gourmet meal and to view the different installations created by some of the most renowned interior designers and architects from the greater Detroit area.
Ryan said that Detroit’s event, one of 13 DIFFA events held throughout the country, has gained a reputation for it’s unique look and style.
“What’s a little unique for Detroit is that we have somewhat more support from the architecture community than from the interior design community,” said Ryan. “I had a terrific meeting with Steven Williams, director of partnerships for DIFFA in New York, and he said the other cities’ events have become somewhat predictable. He was taking notes to give to the New York folks about how they can improve their event, based on what we’ve done in Detroit.”
Ryan said they haven’t tallied the total monies raised, but he said he felt confident they made their goal of raising $100,000 for MAC. The event committee rasied over $100,000 in corporate sponsorships and $30,000 or more in tickets sales. The results of the art auction and the silent auction are still being counted.
DIFFA Showcases Detroit's Style
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