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Do Good By Looking Good

By Madelyn Miller

The fashion show to see and be seen at is the Diffa Collection show of denim Jackets.

And this years theme of evolution reflects how far this charitable event has come.

From a few denim jackets just 15 years ago, it is now the top fund raising event of the year in Dallas.

I had a sneak preview of some of the show stoppers, and I will never feel the same in my simple jeans again.

Even if all my creative genes were working on jeans, they will never be as totally fab as the things you can buy at the Diffa event.

SEE THE EVOLUTION COLLECTION SATURDAY, MARCH 13 6PM
To reserve tickets call 214-748-8580 or visit www.diffa.org

The Event:

This year marks the 15th anniversary of The Dallas Collection, the theme is Evolution.  Proceeds from this event, the last big event to be held in the famous International Apparel Mart, help fund many outstanding HIV/AIDS service and education programs in North Texas.

The Dallas Collection, DIFFA Dallas’ top fund raising event of the year, is an incredible mix of runway show and theatrical excitement.  The event centers on the denim jacket.  Alone, a denim jacket is just that, but with designers such as Hugo Boss and Bob Mackie, celebrities like Rosie O’Donnell and Cher and local artists like Todd Oldham recreating the jackets, they become wearable works of art.  These jackets auction at thousands of dollars, with some selling at over $10,000!

The theme Evolution represents the evolution of DIFFA over the past 20 years, the evolution of The Dallas Collection over the past 15 years and most importantly, the evolution of HIV/AIDS as we have seen it change over the years and become a disease that affects everyone in our world!

The show is divided into scenes featuring the jackets along with great additions including theatrical elements and costume design.  Amazing hair and makeup artists turn the models into walking pieces of art, the likes of which you’ve never seen!

Important facts about DIFFA Dallas:

Grantees include programs focusing on children with HIV/AIDS, counseling programs for those affected by HIV/AIDS (including a specialized counseling program geared toward women – the only one of its kind in North Texas), AIDS hospices, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaigns and organizations providing ongoing healthcare support for those affected by HIV/AIDS

DIFFA Dallas is the only HIV/AIDS charity in North Texas that provides un-earmarked monies to the AIDS service organizations in our community, thus providing for the care of HIV/AIDS affected people and all other expenses associated with operating an AIDS service organization

Who is diffa?

The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) is the oldest and one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S.  Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide over $31 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide

Starting with volunteers from fashion, interior design, furnishings and architecture, supporters of DIFFA now come from every field associated with fine design.  DIFFA has also been an innovative agent in drawing local and national corporations into the fight against the epidemic, and enjoys tremendous support from the business community.

DIFFA grants funds to organizations that fight AIDS by providing:
Preventive education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection
Treatment and direct-care services for people living with AIDS
Public policy initiatives which add resources to private sector efforts

Drawing on the contributions of world-renowned creative and corporate leaders, DIFFA's fundraising activities are among the most celebrated in AIDS philanthropy. Through special events and "passive royalty" arrangements, DIFFA raises money for the battle against AIDS like no other organization can. This unique position has enabled DIFFA to cement its reputation for innovation by rallying diverse communities to a common purpose.

HIV/AIDS Facts:

Since its official identification in 1983 there has been much research done in regard to HIV/AIDS, yet there is still no cure.  DIFFA exists to help those who are living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.  The following are some facts both on a worldwide and national perspective.

Worldwide Statistics*

According to estimates from the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), 36.1 million adults and 1.4 million children were living with HIV at the end of 2000. This is more than 50% higher that the figures projected by WHO in 1991 on the basis of the data then available

Around half of all people who acquire HIV become infected before they turn 25 and typically die of the life-threatening illnesses called "AIDS" before their 35th birthday. This age factor makes AIDS uniquely threatening to children. By the end of 1999, the epidemic had left behind a cumulative total of 13.2 million AIDS orphans, defined as those having lost their mother or both parents before reaching the age of 15.

National Statistics*

As of December 31, 2000 the Centers for Disease Control estimated that 800,000 to 900,000 persons in the U.S. were living with HIV or AIDS.

Persons with AIDS are surviving longer, thus they are contributing to steady increases in the number of persons living with AIDS.

Local Statistics**

Dallas has the highest HIV infection rates among young people in the nation!

THERE IS NO CURE FOR HIV/AIDS!

*Source:  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, HIV/AID Surveillance Report, U.S. HIV and AIDS cases reported through Jun 2000, Mid Year Edition Vol. 12, No. 12

**Source: Dallas County Health Department Surveillance Report as of August 31, 2001

White Rock Friends/HIV Program
As a result of sponsorship of The Dallas Collection, we had the privilege to grant over $150,000 to the following AIDS Service Organizations in North Texas.

AIDS Arms
Funding more than half of the annual salary for one full-time comprehensive case manager who will assist low-income African-Americans and Hispanic Families.

AIDS Interfaith Network, Inc.
HIV/AIDS education program services provided to the youth population in the Dallas Independent School District.  Additional monies provided to fund a transportation program for the HIV/AIDS youth population.

Bryan’s House
Providing medically managed overnight respite and temporary residential child care for children impacted by HIV/AIDS in the Dallas Community

Cathedral of Hope/MCC
Funding of the AIDS crisis fund for emergency assistance in rent, utilities, medicine, transportation, food, gasoline and health insurance premiums.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fort Worth
Increase part-time Social Case Worker to full-time, decreasing caseloads from 42 families per Case Worker to 30.

Dallas Legal Hospice
Helping fund a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to work with client cases and volunteer attorneys and paraprofessionals working on legal matters pertaining to clients HIV status

Dental Health Programs/Amelia Court
Provide patient visits for HIV patients at DHP’s Amelia Court Dental Clinic.

Legacy Counseling Center
Fund Nurse Aides providing 24-hour care, case management and counseling to dying and critically ill AIDS patients.

Visiting Nurse Association
Provide Registered Nurse care focused on disease management to HIV/AIDS day-care clients of the Daire AIDS Interfaith Ce

Photographs by Stephen Karlisch

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