On August 21, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS held its second annual Picnic by Design fund-raiser on the rooftop terrace of the Scholastic building in New York’s SoHo neighborhood. Launched last year, the event aims to engage a younger generation with the nonprofit and its cause.
Close to 200 people attended the evening soiree, which raised more than $30,000 for Diffa. The event was produced by Diffa’s in-house team alongside volunteer members of the Picnic by Design committee, which included Input Creative Studio, Clark Gaynor Interiors, and Corse Design Factory. The evening was sponsored by Starbucks, Lenovo, Robert Allen, Maya Romanoff, and Dwell, while Canard Inc. donated the food and service staff. Beverages were provided by Patrón, La Crema, and Stone Brewing Company. “Because of the generosity of our sponsors, almost all proceeds went to Diffa to support our work,” said Dawn Roberson, the charity organization’s director of special events.
With nearly 45 picnic spreads created by interior designers, graphic designers, stylists, and other artists, the benefit was a maze of design inspiration. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.