Midnight Masque will be held at Cathedral of St. John the Divine
New York, NY (March 2025) — DIFFA, the Design Industries Foundation, will host its highly anticipated annual fundraising gala, Midnight Masque, on Wednesday, April 2, from 6–10 PM, beneath the soaring Gothic arches of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Set against this breathtaking backdrop, the event will bring together the design community for an evening where daring creativity and a shared mission take center stage—fostering connection, purpose, and impact.
Beneath the flickering candlelight, masked guests will enjoy exquisite cocktails, an intimate dinner, and mesmerizing student design installations—all in support of DIFFA’s mission to combat HIV/AIDS, food and housing insecurities, and mental health challenges. The evening will also feature captivating performances by Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Rhonda Ross, drag performer Elliott with Two T’s, and DJ Johnsville, creating an atmosphere of mystery, magic, and revelry in the shadows. Towering stilt performers, a luminous walking candelabra, curated portraits through BangaBooth and a living red carpet will set the stage, while guests can rock to soul-stirring renditions by a gospel choir and dance into the night as a live DJ spins some high-energy beats.
“We’re thrilled to host a magical evening that not only dazzles but drives our mission forward,” says Dawn Roberson, Executive Director of DIFFA. “With federal funding for many of our vital programs at risk, every contribution is crucial in our support of alleviating food and housing insecurities, as well as advancing treatment, providing assistance, and ensuring critical access to healthcare in all its forms. The evening represents much more than just a masquerade ball, it’s meant to ignite hope and transform lives— while design, performance, and philanthropy are celebrated and collide in the best of all fashions.”
DIFFA’s incredibly generous “Midnight Masque” sponsors include National Advocates Benjamin Moore, and Mohawk, as well as Annual Gold Sponsors Rockwell Group, Steelcase, HOK, MillerKnoll, Evenson Best, and Florim. The equally wonderful Gold Sponsors consist of Gensler; Silver Sponsors, Stylex, wb Wood, Structure Tone, and Henrickson, while its sought-after Bronze Sponsors include Jamie Drake, Haworth, Urban Office, Nienkämper, and Creative Office Resources (COR). Graphic Design: Inkling & Co.; Event Designer: Jesgordon ProperFUN.
This year, DIFFA proudly recognizes the Angelo Donghia Foundation for its unwavering, longstanding support of the DIFFA Student Design Initiative—a program that has empowered hundreds of students with real-world, hands-on design experience, invaluable mentorship, and a deeper connection to DIFFA’s mission. The student design projects are featured at DIFFA’s annual fundraising galas in New York City and Dallas, showcasing the creativity and impact of the next generation of designers.
Tickets can be purchased at the link here.
ABOUT DIFFA: DIFFA grants funds to organizations that provide aid and access to healthcare for a diverse group of people affected by HIV/AIDS, food & housing insecurities, and mental health issues. Harnessing the design industry’s resources and creativity to respond to critical health issues and build a healthier, robust, and inclusive community. In other words, making a DIFFA-rence! Mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community, DIFFA has granted more than $57 million to hundreds of charities nationwide. www.diffa.org
DIFFA received a 4-star (98%) ranking from Charity Navigator, telling donors they can trust the foundation to make the best use of their contributions.
