House of DIFFA | Hotel Mystique

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Run of Show

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Dinner Menu

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About Hotel Mystique

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DIFFA Dallas Beneficiaries

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House of DIFFA Sponsors

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HIV/AIDS in North Texas

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DIFFA Timeline

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Letter from the Board Chair

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Letter from the Event Chairs

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Impact Fund

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Hotel Mystique Table Hosts

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Board of Trustees

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Letter from Executive Director

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Farewell to Chapter Manager

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Style Council Ambassadors

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Legends of Style

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Jacket Collection

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Excellence in Healthcare Award

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Excellence in Design Award

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Excellence in Fashion Award

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Legacy of Love Award

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Community Hero Award

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Legend in the Fight Against AIDS Award

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Legacy Tribute

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Silent Auction Donors

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Past Event & Board Chairs

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2027 Season of Events

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Acknowledgements

YOUR STAY AT HOTEL MYSTIQUE

5:00 to 6:00 PM

VIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION The Parlor, First Floor

5:30 to 7:30 PM

COCKTAIL HOUR & SILENT AUCTION Lonestar Preconvene, Second Floor

7:30 to 9:30 PM

DINNER & LIVE AUCTION Lonestar Ballroom, Second Floor

9:30 to 10:30 PM

HOUSE OF DIFFA: HOTEL MYSTIQUE RUNWAY FASHION SHOW Lonestar Ballroom, Second Floor

10:15 PM

OPEN BAR CLOSES / CASH BAR OPENS 10:30 PM to 1:00 AM

OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY Lonestar Preconvene, Second Floor 4

DINING AT HOTEL MYSTIQUE

SALAD

BABY GREEN SALAD with strawberry, watermelon radish, candied pecans, manchego cheese and white balsamic vinaigrette

ENTREE

FENNEL CRUSTED CHICKEN with celery root puree, broccolini and baby carrots, rosemary

VEGETARIAN ENTREE

CHAR CARNIVAL CAULIFLOWER with roasted vegetable risotto, smoked paprika vinaigrette

DESERTS

VANILLA RASPBERRY TART alternating with

DARK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE with espresso chantilly cream and raspberry coulis

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Here, glamour seduces and secrecy reigns. Behind every door is a story, behind every mask, a transformation. Mysterious, opulent, unforgettable—Hotel Mystique isn’t just an escape; it’s an experience that will consume you. It’s the kind of place you stumble into at midnight and never want to leave… or perhaps, never can.

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DIFFA DALLAS

BENEFICIARIES Tens of thousands of people across North Texas are living with HIV/ AIDS, and that number grows every year. As federal and state funding for direct care services declines, the organizations on this list face an ever-widening gap between what they can do and what their clients need.

DIFFA Dallas is the only HIV/AIDS organization in Texas providing non-earmarked grants exclusively to HIV/AIDS service efforts in our communities. Behind every name on this list is a person receiving housing, medication, a meal, legal counsel, or a reason to keep fighting. We fund the full spectrum of care, because HIV/AIDS doesn’t affect lives in just one way.

A Sister's Gift Women's Center Access and Information Network (AIN) AIDS Outreach Center ASD, A Home for Life AIDS Walk South Dallas CAN Community Health Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ Children's Medical Center Foundation Cook Children's Dallas Hope Charities East Texas Cares Resource Center Elevate North Texas Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund Health Services of North Texas Inc. HELP Center for LGBT Health Legacy Cares Legal Hospice of Texas Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas Prism Health North Texas Resource Center of Dallas Sonya's House Tarrant County Samaritan Housing Texas Health Action White Rock Friends Outreach

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2025/26 SEASON SPONSORS TITLE SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

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2025/26 SEASON SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS

MEDIA/PR/PRODUCTION SPONSORS

SUSTAINING SPONSORS

Jeff & Rhiannon Bolen SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Hashtag Fine Jewelers

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MISTR: Free PrEP & STI Testing

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More than 1.2 Million people in the U.S. could benefit from PrEP, the medication that is nearly 100% effective at preventing HIV transmission.

Fewer than half of them have been prescribed it.

That gap exists right here in North Texas.

IN TEXAS, 94% OF ELIGIBLE WHITE PEOPLE WERE PRESCRIBED PREP IN 2022.

FOR LATINO TEXANS: 24%.

FOR BLACK TEXANS: 13%.

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MORE THAN 18,000 PEOPLE ARE LIVING WITH HIV IN DALLAS COUNTY ALONE DALLAS COUNTY’S INFECTION RATE IS HIGHER THAN BOTH THE STATE AND NATIONAL AVERAGE. AND IT IS STILL CLIMBING.

WHEN SOMEONE LIVING WITH HIV HAS ACCESS TO TREATMENT AND REACHES AN UNDETECTABLE VIRAL LOAD:

THEY CANNOT TRANSMIT THE VIRUS. THEY CAN LIVE A FULL, HEALTHY LIFE. THAT IS WHAT YOUR SUPPORT MAKES POSSIBLE.

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DIFFA DALLAS

TIMELINE

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A LETTER FROM THE DIFFA DALLAS BOARD CHAIR Welcome to House of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique.

On behalf of the DIFFA Dallas Board of Trustees, our Style Council Ambassadors, and the extraordinary volunteers, creative team, production designers, and models who pour their hearts into this event every year — I am so glad you’re here.

This year’s theme invites us into a world of mystery and imagination, but the work behind it is very real. Every element of tonight reflects our commitment to a future free from HIV/AIDS, food and housing insecurity, mental health stigma, and the many challenges that still face our community. That future is what we’re building together, one House of DIFFA at a time.

None of this would be possible without our Board of Trustees. Serving alongside each of you this season has been a true honor. I hope tonight feels like a celebration of everything you’ve given to make it happen.

I also want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the people who carried so much of this event on their shoulders. To our co-chairs, David Chadd and David White, and our Creative Director, Robyn Chauvin — thank you. What you’ve created is nothing short of remarkable, and it shows in every detail of this evening.

To our generous supporters — thank you for making House of DIFFA a tradition. Your presence and generosity tonight directly benefit the AIDS Service Organizations serving North Texas.

There are many ways to give this evening: explore the DIFFA Jacket Collection, bid in our Silent and Live Auctions, or make a direct gift through Fund-a-Grant.

I have been part of DIFFA Dallas for many years — as an attendee, a Style Council Ambassador, a board member, and now as Board Chair. This community has shaped me in more ways than I can count. As I reflect on this season, I am filled with gratitude for every person in this room, for those who fought before us, and for those who will carry this mission forward.

Welcome to the Hotel. Come as you are. Leave having changed lives.

Rhiannon Bolen Board Chair, DIFFA Dallas

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A LETTER FROM THE HOUSE OF DIFFA CO-CHAIRS Welcome! We are delighted to confirm your reservation, and you are now fully checked in to House of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique. Your stay will be anything but ordinary.

Hotel Mystique is a world of whispered invitations, hidden corridors, and velvet shadows, where glamour seduces and secrecy reigns. Step inside, and the night takes over. Behind every door is a story, and behind every mask, a transformation. Mysterious, opulent, unforgettable. It is the kind of place you stumble into at midnight and never want to leave.

But behind every locked door, there is more than beauty. There is purpose. Each year, House of DIFFA redefines what it means to give back, transforming Dallas’ boldest fashion gala into a force for change.

Beneath the shimmer lies a mission: to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic through community, creativity, and compassion.

Your presence and generosity — along with our designers, collaborators, artists, sponsors, advocates, and allies — are the keys to unlocking the doors. Together, we are pushing them wide open toward something that seems unimaginable: a world free of HIV/AIDS. House of DIFFA is truly a massive undertaking. We are a working volunteer board — early mornings, sleepless nights, meetings, calls, and so much more. When we feel tired and overwhelmed, we refocus on our mission and put ourselves in the shoes of those we are fighting with and for.

DIFFA Dallas has been fighting since 1984. We continue what those ground-breaking visionaries started, keeping the fight alive here in North Texas. The fight is ever-changing, and that is where Hotel Mystique emerged — an intentionally created, multifaceted place for everyone.

To our Board of Trustees: your planning, guidance, and passion keep this organization focused and relevant. To our Style Council Ambassadors and Legends of Style: your expertise and philanthropic dedication further DIFFA’s impact every year. To our production team, designers, and makers: your vision brought this place into reality. And to our sponsors, donors, and partners: your generosity has made tonight a five-star experience and makes our grant-making possible.

We invite you to fully immerse yourself in all that Hotel Mystique has to offer. Every sip, every spark, every moment of wonder opens another door toward hope. Come into House of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique. We have been expecting you.

Together, we can make a DIFFA-rence, David Chadd & David White 2026 House of DIFFA Chairmen

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The Louis L. Borick Foundation grants funds to create opportunity for people to reach their full potential, positively contribute to society and participate in a culturally rich community.

We are happy to join DIFFA Dallas in their fight against HIV/AIDS in the community through preventative education, treatment, and direct care services.

LOUISLBORICKFOUNDATION.ORG

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Assembled Woods Visit our Dallas Showroom to experience the latest in design and innovation.

DALLAS SHO W RO O M | 1 5 0 2 SL O CUM S T R E E T, S U IT E 200, D A LLA S , T X 75207

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DIFFA DALLAS

IMPACT FUND

For over four decades, DIFFA Dallas has been a steadfast supporter of North Texas HIV/AIDS Service Organizations, providing life-saving grants that have totaled tens of millions of dollars.

Through the DIFFA Dallas Impact Fund, you can make an immediate impact by contributing a 100% tax-deductible donation, which directly supports those affected by HIV/AIDS. Your recurring monthly gift will aid in creating the first AIDS-free generation, with special recognition and sneak peeks into DIFFA Dallas’ upcoming initiatives for Impact Fund donors.

$10/MONTH

$25/MONTH

$50/MONTH

Provide medical supplies to doctors offering free medical assistance to those in need.

Help 30 people receive a rapid HIV test, with results in less than one minute.

Prepare job training courses for unhoused people to work toward self-sufficiency.

$75/MONTH

$100/MONTH

$250/MONTH

Help purchase new business attire for 12 people to wear to a job interview.

Pay for counseling services for someone looking to better their mental health.

Help critical HIV/AIDS care service organizations keep their lights on this month.

$500/MONTH

$1,000/MONTH

$5,000/MONTH

Provide a bed for a housing-insecure teenager living with HIV for one month.

Underwrite educational programs to eliminate the stigma of HIV/AIDS and help us create the first AIDS-free generation.

Provide 250 mental health counseling sessions to uninsured individuals who otherwise couldn’t afford care.

People in our community need this support today.

Scan or visit diffadallas.org/donate to make a tax-deductible gift that goes directly to care.

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2026 TABLE HOSTS $35,000 TABLES

$15,000 TABLES

The Louis L. Borick Foundation

Al & Gage Farb David Ridenour

$10,000 TABLES Aaron Walton Anna Curnes David Chadd & Brad Pritchett David White & Dr. Michael Lunardon Eric Bright

Ferrell Drum Ike Isenhour JD Miller Joe Pacetti Keith Carlisle

Maven Labs Rhiannon & Jeff Bolen Steve Lopez Tim Lake Vistra Corp

$7,500 TABLES Benjamin Moore & Co. Blanc Canvas Drapery Champion Healthcare David Johannessen Deloitte & Touche

Don Gaiser Gilead Sciences Guardian Energy Partners Ike Isenhour Mohawk Group

Plug Public Relations Richard Rivas & Garrett McGrew Sonia Simmons Steve Lopez & Darren Deville VERSACE

$5,000 TABLES Brett & Gary Benton-Werner Children’s Health Dallas Hope Charities Danny Cabrera David Chadd & Brad Pritchett Don Gaiser Duffee + Eitzen Elise Cordell Ethan Skinner ETRO Milano Friends of Al & Gage Farb Friends of Robyn Chauvin

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Friends of Tina Verma Gabriella Monte Grant & Gina Farmer Guardian Energy Partners Hazel Hartfield Jameka Hill Jason Vallejo Juan Benitez Kendu-Marquette Williams King & Spalding, LLP LeeAnne Locken Mateo & Co

Michelle Pawski Mike Matthews Nick Nussrallah Plug Public Relations R. Dustin Hutcheson & Dr. Cid Tajon RH Concessions / Air Ventures Rob Bradford Robyn Chauvin Productions Sheraton Dallas Hotel Tanner Sinclair Tina Verma Vaughn Vennerberg

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2025/26 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Grant Farmer, Torie Kunz, Richard Rivas, Hunter Lewis, Dustin Hutcheson, JR Shoman, David Ridenour, David Chadd, Rhiannon Bolen, David White, Christi Meril, Danny Cabrera, Payton Martin, Gabriella Monte, Jonathan Flores 22

NOT PICTURED Brandon Bell, Eric Bright, Stephen Hoyl, Steve Lopez, Sonia Simmons 23

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BOARD OF TRUSTEES The DIFFA Dallas Board of Trustees is a dynamic collective of Dallasites united by purpose, creativity, and a shared commitment to impact. Representing diverse industries and perspectives, these dedicated individuals champion DIFFA’s mission through strategic leadership, fundraising excellence, and meaningful partnerships. Their vision and stewardship ensure that DIFFA Dallas continues to drive progress, fund vital programs, and lead the fight against HIV/AIDS with integrity and influence.

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Rhiannon Bolen

Richard Rivas

Eric Bright

BOARD CHAIR

VICE CHAIR

VICE CHAIR Development

Public Relations / Communications

Steve Lopez

Jonathan Flores

David Chadd

David White

TREASURER

SECRETARY

HOUSE OF DIFFA CHAIR

HOUSE OF DIFFA CHAIR

Operations

Payton Martin VICE CHAIR

Brandon Bell

Danny Cabrera

Grant Farmer

TRUSTEE

TRUSTEE

TRUSTEE

TRUSTEE

Jacket Collection Committee

Style Council Co-Chair

Silent Auction Committee

Live Auction Chair

Dustin Hutcheson

Torie Kunz

Thomas H. Lewis

Christi Meril

TRUSTEE

TRUSTEE

TRUSTEE

TRUSTEE

Silent Auction Chair

Silent Auction Committee

Silent Auction Committee

Patron Preview Party Chair

Gabriella Monte

David Ridenour

J.R. Shoman

Sonia Simmons

TRUSTEE

TRUSTEE

TRUSTEE

Jacket Collection Chair

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Stephen Hoyl

Is he even on any committee?

Program Committee

TRUSTEE

Style Council Co-Chair

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Thank You,

DIFFA DALLAS! Thank you DIFFA DALLAS for your support of non-profits like GDMAF in our continued fight against HIV and AIDS in North Texas.

GDMAF has provided more than $2 million in assistance to more than 5,000 people since 1996 and continues to help increase the number of people we have helped each year.

Learn more at www.GDMAF.org You truly make a difference in people’s lives.

Thank You.

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www.gdmaf.org

Proud to sponsor DIFFA, advancing HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and policy initiatives that create lasting impact for communities most at risk.

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A LETTER FROM THE DIFFA NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Welcome to House of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique—where indulgence meets impact, and every guest plays a part in changing lives.

The true mystique of this evening lies in the radiance and generosity of this extraordinary community.

Because of you—our sponsors, patrons, and dedicated volunteers—DIFFA continues to deliver meaningful, measurable impact where it’s needed most. In the past year, we awarded more than $800,000 in grants to over 40 organizations across Dallas, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, supporting HIV/ AIDS research, treatment, and care, while expanding access to healthcare, mental health services, and critical resources for underserved communities.

These grants are more than funding; they are lifelines. Through flexible, unrestricted support, DIFFA empowers organizations on the front lines to respond swiftly & effectively to evolving needs.

At a time when public funding for HIV/AIDS and essential social services continues to decline, and as housing instability, food insecurity, and mental health challenges intensify, DIFFA’s role is more vital than ever. We are proud to help ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind.

For more than 40 years, DIFFA has granted over $60 million nationwide, delivering lifesaving resources to those who need them most. Your support ensures this impact continues.

Thank you for being part of this evening—and for making a DIFFA-rence.

With heartfelt gratitude, Dawn Roberson Executive Director, DIFFA

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A FAREWELL TO THE DIFFA DALLAS CHAPTER ADMINISTRATOR This year, we pause to honor someone who has been integral to everything you see tonight.

Roger Calderon brought over sixteen years of non-profit fundraising and event management experience to DIFFA Dallas, and he led with exactly the kind of compassion, collaboration, and congeniality that this organization is built on. As our Chapter Manager, he worked in close partnership with the Board of Trustees to produce our signature annual events — Burgers & Burgundy, the Holiday Wreath Collection, and House of DIFFA — while overseeing the annual grant process and helping direct critical funding to AIDS Service Organizations across North Texas.

Before joining DIFFA Dallas, Roger served as Director of Special Events at The LGBT Community Center in New York City, where he led major fundraisers including Cycle for the Cause, a threeday, 275-mile charity bike ride from Boston to New York that raises millions for HIV/AIDS education and prevention. He also served as Director of Special Events at the Empire State Pride Agenda, New York’s statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.

His commitment to community has never been limited to his professional role. Since 2020, Roger has served with Trinity Pride Fort Worth — currently as President — helping revitalize Fort Worth’s Pride celebration and leading the return of Q Cinema, Fort Worth’s LGBTQ film festival.

This spring, Roger embarks on an exciting new chapter as Membership & Corporate Giving Manager with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. We are so proud of him.

Roger, the partnerships you built, the events you brought to life, and the care you poured into this mission leave a mark that will be felt long after tonight. From the Board of Trustees and the entire DIFFA Dallas family — thank you. We are grateful, we are proud, and we are cheering you on.

— The DIFFA Dallas Board of Trustees

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THE 45TH ANNUAL

BLACK TIE DINNER

NOVEMBER 14, 2026 | SHERATON DALLAS

EDUCATE. EMPOWER. ENTERTAIN. SCAN TO GET INVOLVED

For 45 years, Black Tie Dinner has been the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ fundraising dinner supporting up to 20 North Texas beneficiaries and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation—with more than $33 million distributed since 1982.

GET INVOLVED

SPONSOR UNDERWRITE DONATE AUCTION ITEMS BUY A TICKET OR TABLE

PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS

VEHICLE RAFFLE

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $50,000 CREDIT TOWARD THE VEHICLE OF YOUR CHOICE FROM PARK PLACE MOTORCARS DALLAS, PARK PLACE VOLVO OR PARK PLACE PORSCHE. SCAN TO ENTER

1 TICKET FOR $100 OR 6 TICKETS FOR $500 GENEROUSLY UNDERWRITTEN BY

Rules and information at blacktie.org/raffle 30

From the runway to the board room, better AV for your next event starts at

ecpdfw.com

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STYLE COUNCIL The DIFFA Dallas Style Council is the creative heartbeat of DIFFA Dallas—a collective of tastemakers, connectors, and cultural leaders who help shape the identity, energy, and philanthropic impact of our signature events.

More than ambassadors, Style Council members are advocates. They champion DIFFA Dallas’s mission by leveraging their personal platforms, professional networks, and distinct sense of style to expand awareness, inspire generosity, and drive meaningful fundraising in support of HIV/AIDS service organizations across North Texas.

Each year, the Style Council plays an integral role in bringing DIFFA’s most celebrated moments to life — from House of DIFFA to seasonal initiatives and special campaigns. Through storytelling, social engagement, and authentic outreach, they help translate our mission into moments that resonate far beyond the ballroom.

United by a shared belief that design has the power to change lives, the DIFFA Dallas Style Council represents the intersection of creativity, community, and purpose. Their commitment ensures that every event is not only beautifully executed, but deeply impactful.

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2025/26 STYLE COUNCIL AMBASSADORS

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ROB BRADFORD

ELISE CORDELL

@robbradforddesign

@elisecordell

Rob Bradford is a legendary costume designer whose work has defined the DIFFA runway for more than four decades.

Introduced to DIFFA over twenty years ago by iconic producer Jan Strimple, Rob has created some of the most unforgettable, theatrical looks to ever grace the show. Known for his fearless sense of drama and impeccable craftsmanship, his style moves effortlessly between beaded caftans and tailored vintage suits—always playful, grand, and exquisitely made. As a Style Council Ambassador, Rob continues to bring over-the-top fabulousness, creativity, and heart to the runway and the DIFFA community.

Elise Cordell is a hospitality-driven connector whose career and personal life are rooted in making people feel welcomed, celebrated, and seen. Now serving as a National Ambassador for Pernod-Ricard Wines & Champagnes, Elise brings her Midwestern warmth to Dallas, where she has built a closeknit community grounded in shared values, philanthropy, and genuine support. A recent new mother, Elise deeply understands the meaning of “it takes a village” and channels that spirit into her work with DIFFA—using her creativity, professional network, and innate sense of hospitality to expand awareness, inspire advocacy, and create meaningful fundraising experiences.

2025/26 STYLE COUNCIL AMBASSADORS

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ANNA CURNES

AMBER ENNIS GRIFFIN

@annalouglass

@ambergriffin82

Anna Curnes is a Dallas-based artist and the founder of ALG Fine Art, known for her dynamic work in glass and her distinctive creative vision. Her pieces are defined by movement, color, and what she describes as “beautiful chaos,” reflecting a balance of control and spontaneity within her medium. Beyond her work as an artist, Anna has established her studio as a hub for the local design community, where creativity and collaboration intersect. Through her work and partnerships, she continues to champion innovation, support fellow creatives, and foster a strong sense of connection within the Dallas art and design landscape.

Amber Griffin is a professional model, entrepreneur, and creative based in Dallas, with over a decade of experience in the fashion and modeling industry. She is the founder of Model Prep, where she mentors young girls and helps them build confidence, poise, and self-expression through modeling.

In addition to her work in fashion, Amber is expanding her creative reach as an aspiring event planner and podcast host, bringing her passion for connection and storytelling into new spaces. Known for her kindness, ambition, and strong sense of purpose, she is deeply committed to supporting others and giving back to her community.

2025/26 STYLE COUNCIL AMBASSADORS

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AL + GAGE FARB

HAZEL HARTFIELD

@alfarb @boiigage

@hazellhartfield

A dynamic Style Council power couple whose creativity, media savvy, and community spirit make them a natural fit for DIFFA. After relocating to Dallas separately—Gage to study acting at SMU & Al for his career in radio—the two met in 2021 and were married earlier this year. Gage is a voice actor / digital creator known for his reality TV commentary, makeup tutorials, and political advocacy, while Al serves as a Program Director and Afternoon Drive Host at New Country 96.3, where giving back is central to his work. Together, they recently launched enGAGEd AF, a podcast supporting newly engaged LGBTQ+ couples, and bring fresh energy and perspective to the DIFFA community.

Hazel Hartfield is a Dallas-based business leader at the intersection of fashion, community, and empowerment. As Founder and CEO of FWD Fashion Group, she blends strategic vision with creativity to support emerging designers, foster industry education, and champion inclusion within the fashion ecosystem. Known for her refined eye and attention to detail, Hazel leads initiatives that prioritize innovation and sustainable growth while creating meaningful platforms for the next generation of fashion professionals. As a Style Council Ambassador, she uses fashion as a vehicle for connection, advocacy, and impact in support of DIFFA’s mission.

2025/26 STYLE COUNCIL AMBASSADORS

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ALEXIS MILLER

ANDREA REICH

@mrs.alexismiller

@andrealreich

Alexis Miller is a partner at Samuel Lynne Galleries and Hollman Miller Gallery, where she works alongside her husband in the contemporary art space. A Dallas native, Alexis brings a fresh, modern perspective to the gallery world, blending creativity, business, and community. With a background in Pre-Med Neuroscience from Texas Christian University, she approaches her work with both analytical insight and artistic intuition.

Known for her warmth and ability to connect people, Alexis is passionate about building meaningful relationships and creating experiences that bring others together around shared purpose.

Andrea Reich is the founder and designer behind Diadem Jewelry, a Dallas-based brand she launched in 2017. Originally from Los Angeles, Andrea now calls Dallas home, where she balances her creative career with life as a single mother to her daughter, Miriam. Inspired by art, fashion, and interior design, her work reflects a thoughtful blend of personal expression and refined craftsmanship. As a Style Council Ambassador, Andrea is passionate about welcoming new supporters into the DIFFA community and celebrating the event’s unique ability to unite creativity, design, and philanthropy.

2025/26 STYLE COUNCIL AMBASSADORS

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TANNER SINCLAIR

ETHAN SKINNER

@tanner_sinclair

@ethan__jamal

Tanner Sinclair is a Louisiana-raised connector with a deep appreciation for hospitality, design, and community. After moving from New Orleans to Dallas, he quickly immersed himself in the city’s creative landscape while building a career in tech as a Transformation Program Manager at Adobe, where he leads global initiatives. Outside of work, Tanner curates boutique Airbnb experiences, personally designing each space with an emphasis on warmth, storytelling, and elevated Southern hospitality. As a Style Council Ambassador, Tanner is passionate about increasing awareness, breaking stigma, and supporting DIFFA’s mission through education, compassion, and connection.

Ethan Skinner is a Dallas native and Ivy League–educated finance leader who blends strategic precision with a genuine passion for fashion and community. As Vice President and Senior Division Controller at BOK Financial, he brings a thoughtful, results-driven approach to his work while remaining deeply engaged beyond the office. Influenced by the glamour and confidence of 1970s style, Ethan approaches fashion as a form of self-expression. As a Style Council Ambassador, he is committed to broadening DIFFA’s supporter base and fostering lasting engagement in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

2025/26 STYLE COUNCIL AMBASSADORS

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APRIL VALLEE

TINA VERMA

@ianxapril

@mrs.teamverma

April Vallee is a freelance fashion stylist who approaches fashion as an art form without boundaries. Describing themself as a non-binary experience, Ian brings an experimental, expressive lens to runway, photoshoot, and stage styling— always creating work that is unexpected and deeply personal.

Drawing inspiration from organic materials, vintage fashion, and sustainable practices, Ian is passionate about repurposing garments and challenging fast fashion. As a Style Council Ambassador, they aim to build awareness for DIFFA’s mission while proudly representing the non-binary community through unapologetic self-expression.

Tina Verma is a Dallas native, self-described real-life housewife, and serial volunteer known for her infectious energy and unmatched ability to bring people together. A true connector with a flair for dressing boldly, Tina has spent the past decade deeply involved in community leadership—from neighborhood organizing to school advocacy, including serving as PTA President during Hicks Elementary’s National School of Excellence recognition. When Tina commits to a cause, she brings her full network, enthusiasm, and results with her. As a Style Council Ambassador, she is proud to amplify DIFFA’s mission through engagement and the power of community.

2025/26 STYLE COUNCIL AMBASSADORS

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CHARLIE WHITE

KENDU-MARQUETTE WILLIAMS

@thecharnetwork

@knduivplay

Charlie White is a Dallas-based creative director, art consultant, and philanthropist working at the intersection of art, fashion, and purpose. As Founder and Creative Director of The Char Network, and a leading force within the contemporary art world, Charlie curates immersive experiences that celebrate creativity and community. Deeply involved with organizations including DIFFA Dallas, FGI, and the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, his work reflects a belief that design can drive meaningful change. As a Style Council Ambassador, Charlie is committed to using creativity and connection to amplify DIFFA’s mission and inspire impact.

Kendu-Marquette Williams is an award-winning fashion designer and stylist, and the visionary behind the unisex streetwear brand ART IV PLAY. Blending authenticity, emotion, and purpose, Kendu approaches fashion as a form of storytelling and empowerment, creating work that celebrates individuality, inclusion, and community. Deeply rooted in culture and self-expression, his designs aim to unify and inspire while pushing creative boundaries. As a Style Council Ambassador, Kendu uses his platform to uplift others and champion meaningful change through style and representation.

FROM THE RUNWAY TO YOUR CLOSET

FINELY CURATED SELECTION OF VINTAGE AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGNER CLOTHING

MARTINIMANCONSIGNMENT.COM 2905 N. Henderson Ave. Dallas, TX 75206 214.494.8051

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INFO@BCDRAPERY.COM | 214.673.1030

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LEGENDS OF STYLE Legends of Style are a group uniquely positioned within DIFFA Dallas—individuals whose history with the organization gives them both perspective and influence. Comprised of former Style Council Ambassadors and past Board members, Legends represent continuity, stewardship, and a deep understanding of DIFFA’s mission and impact.

This group is invited to engage during moments when experience matters most—milestone years, periods of growth, and campaigns that require both credibility and reach. Their long-standing relationships within the design, fashion, and philanthropic communities allow DIFFA Dallas to activate support quickly, thoughtfully, and with intention.

Legends of Style serve as trusted advocates for the organization.

They help bridge generations of supporters, provide context to DIFFA’s evolution, and reinforce the values that have guided the organization for decades. Their involvement strengthens fundraising efforts not through visibility alone, but through trust, consistency, and long-term commitment.

While their formal roles may have changed over time, their connection to DIFFA has not. Legends of Style continue to support AIDS Service Organizations across North Texas by lending their voice, influence, and leadership to efforts that close critical funding gaps and sustain DIFFA Dallas’s mission well into the future.

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PAST LEGENDS 2006 Lee Bailey Angie Barrett Yvonne Crum Barbara Daseke Krickett Goss Matrice Kirk Jill Rowlett Robert Weatherly 2009 Don Gaiser Geoffrey Henning Dr. Roger Kobes Alonso Martinez Jennifer Miller Nicolas Villalba Elizabeth Wimpress 2015 Simona Beal Gillian Breidenbach Don Gaiser Rebecca Hallam David Kiger Matrice Kirk Joe Pacetti 2022 Mai Caldwell Don Gaiser Carol Hatton Greg Johnson Haynes Darin Kunz Ralph Randall Shayne Robinson Nickki St. George 43

2025/26 LEGENDS OF STYLE

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KEITH CARLISLE

DON GAISER

@carlisle.keith

@gaiserdon

Keith Carlisle is a lifelong supporter of DIFFA whose connection to the organization spans more than three decades.

A die-hard DIFFA jacket designer and past recipient of DIFFA’s Excellence in Design Award, Keith has supported the cause since 1990 and remains deeply embedded in its creative legacy. His continued involvement honors the memory of his life partner, John Moran, whom he lost in 1998 to complications from anti-viral treatment, and whose favorite charity was also DIFFA. Guided by a lifelong belief in paying it forward, Keith continues to inspire generosity and engagement within the fashion community.

Don Gaiser is a fifth-generation Texan and longtime charity advocate whose commitment to DIFFA Dallas spans decades.

A true bon vivant with deep roots in the organization, Don has previously served as a Style Council Ambassador, Style Council Chair, and Legend of Style, and has also been recognized as a DIFFA Hero and recipient of the Legend in the Fight Against AIDS Award. A native of Tyler, Don is a UT Austin and SMU alumnus and a lifetime member of the Texas Exes. As a Style Council Ambassador, he continues to champion DIFFA’s mission through advocacy, leadership, and unwavering support for those impacted by HIV/AIDS.

2025/26 LEGENDS OF STYLE

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IKE ISENHOUR

LEEANNE LOCKEN

@ike_isenhour_reductionist

@leeannelocken

Ike Isenhour is an international designer and interior architect known for his architectural clarity, disciplined restraint, and refined approach to luxury. His work spans residential and commercial projects worldwide, defined by a focus on material integrity, proportion, and atmosphere. Ike approaches design with intention—where every detail serves a purpose and nothing is without meaning. His portfolio includes highly specialized commissions, including a private jet livery finished with gem-grade diamonds, blending precision with innovation.

Influenced by years of work in Mexico and Europe, as well as American design movements of the late twentieth century, his perspective is both global and timeless.

LeeAnne Locken is a television personality, host, actress, and philanthropist known for her bold authenticity and unmistakable presence. From her breakout role on The Real Housewives of Dallas to her current work writing, producing, and hosting Ladies on Latenight on FOX4, she has built a platform rooted in connection, resilience, and real conversation. Beyond the screen, LeeAnne is a dedicated advocate, using her voice to challenge stigma and bring awareness to issues impacting vulnerable communities. Her work continues to center on education, compassion, and visibility—amplifying conversations that too often go unheard.

Haute Couture Bridal and Evening gowns

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CREATIVE DIRECTION — FASHION SHOW & EVENT PRODUCTION ROBYNCHAUVINPRODUCTIONS.COM 47

THE DIFFA DALLAS JACKET COLLECTION

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The History of the Jacket Collection In 1988, as the AIDS crisis gripped the nation, Dallas’s design community was called upon to make a difference. Costume designer John Ahrens was asked to contribute a piece for a DIFFA Dallas fundraiser, a small event initially focused on fashion and interiors. While attendance was limited and sales modest, the event planted the seed for what would become one of Dallas’s most impactful charitable traditions. Recognizing the potential for a broader reach, DIFFA Dallas began re-imagining the format, sparking the concept that would transform the event—and the Dallas community—forever.

By 1989, inspired by a photograph of Madonna wearing a self-designed denim jacket, the DIFFA Dallas team began using Levi’s jackets as blank canvases.

With support from Levi Strauss & Co., the jackets became a powerful symbol of solidarity. Iconic designers transformed these simple jackets into stunning, oneof-a-kind masterpieces, and that first jacket auction raised $100,000, including $10,000 for a Bob Mackie creation. This marked the beginning of what would become a celebrated Dallas tradition and a major fundraiser for DIFFA’s mission.

The Jacket Collection has since gone on to feature designs from world-famous designers and celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Thierry Mugler, and Calvin Klein. In the mid-90s, DIFFA Dallas expanded the collection to include smoking jackets and took the show on a national tour sponsored by Neiman Marcus, bringing DIFFA’s mission to audiences across the U.S. The jackets became more elaborate and intricate, often featuring unique incentives like exclusive trips or jewelry, elevating the stakes and driving higher bids.

Today, the DIFFA Dallas Jacket Collection remains the heart of House of DIFFA. What began as an idea to transform denim jackets into artistic expressions of support has evolved into a legendary collection that unites creativity, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of a future free from HIV/AIDS.

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A LETTER FROM THE JACKET COLLECTION CHAIR To the 2026 DIFFA Dallas Jacket Collection Designers and Contributors, What began in 1989 as a bold idea — placing Levi Strauss denim jackets in the hands of the world’s most creative minds — has grown into one of the most distinctive fundraising traditions in Dallas. The denim jacket remains a beloved constant, but the Collection has evolved into something far broader: haute couture, prêt-à-porter, and one-of-a-kind pieces donated by artisans and boutiques from across the nation. To now steward that legacy is something I do not take lightly.

This year’s collection is a testament to the generosity and artistry of so many talented designers, artists, and creatives who gave their time, vision, and craft to produce pieces worthy of the runway. Each jacket tells its own story, and together they form something truly remarkable — a catalog of wearable art that exists because you believed this work matters.

This year’s theme, Hotel Mystique, invited designers into a world of intrigue, glamour, and the unexpected. You’ll find that spirit alive in every piece in tonight’s collection — each one a room worth checking into.

Because of your contributions, critical funding will reach North Texas AIDS Service Organizations providing direct care to those impacted by HIV/AIDS. That is the through line connecting every piece in this collection to something far greater than fashion.

A heartfelt thank you to the DIFFA Dallas Board, Style Council Ambassadors, and the many volunteers who worked behind the scenes to bring this collection together. Your dedication made this possible.

With deep gratitude, Gabriella Monte 2026 Jacket Collection Chair

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Hive & Colony

#100

Etro Paris

#101

David Chadd

#102

Marilyn Stewart

#103

Lauren Lewchuk

#104

NIC MOORE

#105

Brave Heart Designs

#106

Levi Strauss & Co.

#107

Kendu-Marquette Williams

#108

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Keith Carlisle

#109

Levi Strauss & Co.

#110

Kendu-Marquette Williams

#111

Suzie Collins

#112

Keith Carlisle

#113

Keith Carlisle

#114

Martini Man Consignment

#115

Christi Meril

#116

Tootsies

#117

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OBSCURANT

#118

LizKingArtStudio

#119

Patrick Church

#120

Leah Shoes

#121

Lucy Dang

#122

Sarah La Vie

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Ramiro Rodriguez

#124

Denim Manor

#125

Studio Guillermo Rios

#126

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Dr. Cid Tajon and Mr. R. Dustin Hutcheson

#127

Terah Clifton & Phillip Murrell

#128

Jen Gassiraro

#129

Elizabeth Martin

#130

Cathey Miller

#131

Andrea Reich

#132

Elia de Leon

#133

Tanne Sinclair & Madison Dudley

#134

Dr. Cid Tajon and Mr. R. Dustin Hutcheson

#135

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Tiffany Forsberg

#136

Marcelis Alexander

#137

Gabriella & Rosaria Monte

#138

Lisa Coonse- G&G

#139

Tanner Sinclair

#140

Studio Guillermo Rios

#141

April Vallee

#142

Daniela Pasqualini & Amy Voss

#143

Greg Lippe

#144

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Torie Kunz

#145

Enrique de Altamirano

#146

Rube Rubee

#147

FWD Fashion Group

#148

Jenzo

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Kevin Hees

#150

Stephen Merritt

#151

#152

In Search of Jenn

#153

La Vie

#154

Loren Franco

#155

Rambo

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VonVie

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The Ivy Tavern

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Tina Verma

#159

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Peter Triporo

Excellence in Healthcare Award Peter Triporo has built his career on a simple conviction: that everyone deserves healthcare that sees them fully — and treats them accordingly.

A dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner and certified HIV Specialist through the American Academy of HIV Medicine, Peter has spent more than a decade serving the DallasFort Worth community as a fierce advocate for integrated, LGBTQIA-affirming care. As the founder of The Clinic at Cedar Springs and a provider at MD Progressive Care, he has created spaces where patients living with HIV, navigating addiction, or seeking affirming mental health support can access expert, compassionate care without compromise.

His clinical practice bridges two worlds — Acute Care and Psychiatric Mental Health — allowing him to offer something rare: a truly holistic approach to complex, co-occurring conditions. He specializes in Medication-Assisted Treatment and dual-diagnosis care, with expertise spanning HIV and PrEP management, trans-affirming healthcare, addiction medicine, and primary care. When the pandemic revealed a surge in addiction within the LGBTQIA+ community, Peter returned to school to deepen his psychiatric training — a decision that speaks to who he is as a clinician and as a person.

What sets Peter apart is not just the breadth of his expertise, but the intentionality behind it. Every facet of his practice — from the affirming environment he has cultivated at The Clinic at Cedar Springs, to his trauma-informed approach to psychiatric care, to his commitment to making evidence-based treatment accessible regardless of a patient’s background — reflects a provider who understands that medicine, at its best, is an act of advocacy.

Nationally recognized as one of the Top Ten Nurse Practitioners in America by the Point of Care Network, and voted Best Cosmetic Practitioner by Dallas Voice for four consecutive years, Peter’s excellence is well-documented. But those who know him will tell you his greatest credential is the trust he has earned from his patients.

Outside the clinic, Peter is an avid gardener, a devoted gamer, and the proud father of two dachshunds named Pluto and Daisy.

2026 DIFFA DALLAS AWARDS

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JD Miller

Excellence in Design Award JD Miller doesn’t simply paint a canvas — he builds an experience on it.

Born in San Diego and now a proud Dallas resident, JD is the founder of Reflectionism, an art philosophy and painting movement he established in 2001. Rooted in Asian mindfulness, meditation, and the principles of the Law of Attraction, Reflectionism is built on the belief that art is a living conduit for positive energy — and that a painting, at its best, can change the way a person feels in a room. His signature technique transforms classical oil painting into something entirely his own: thick, sculptural applications of paint applied with painting knives, creating works that are as dimensional as they are vibrant.

Over more than two decades, JD has refined and expanded this vision into a full movement, mentoring fellow artists and building a community of Reflectionists who share both his philosophy and his technique. His work has been collected by private collectors worldwide and exhibited in museums including the Jesuit Dallas Museum, the Meadows Museum, and the Longview Museum of Fine Arts.

His paintings are also featured in American Airlines’ Admirals Clubs and on their in-flight art channel — seen in airports and on flights across the globe every single day.

In 2008, JD co-founded Samuel Lynne Galleries in Dallas alongside entrepreneur Philip Romano — a gallery named for their respective children and built on the belief that art should create genuine connection. Now spanning Dallas, Houston, and Chicago, Samuel Lynne Galleries has become one of the leading contemporary art destinations in the country, earning the Gallery Excellence Award for Showroom Design from Art Business News in its very first year.

JD’s relationship with DIFFA Dallas runs deep. A longtime supporter of our mission, he has donated countless works to our live and silent auctions over the years — and has served as a Style Council Ambassador, lending both his artistry and his advocacy to our cause. His generosity has directly helped fund critical services for those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS in North Texas.

For DIFFA Dallas, it is both an honor and a joy to present the Excellence in Design Award to an artist whose work — and whose heart — radiates exactly what Reflectionism promises: energy, optimism, and the belief that beauty can change the world.

2026 DIFFA DALLAS AWARDS

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Ken Weber

Candy Long Excellence in Fashion Award Ken Weber’s relationship with fashion is not a career — it is a lifelong love story.

A trained costume designer by education, Ken launched his professional life in film and television, where his eye for periodaccurate, character-driven style earned him credits spanning decades and genres. From national campaigns for Pepsi-Cola and MTV to feature films starring Dennis Hopper, Martin Sheen, and Kathy Bates — and beloved Dallas productions including Dallas: JR Returns and Barney & Friends, where he dressed a young Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato — Ken built a reputation as someone who understood not just clothing, but the stories clothes tell.

It was during those years that Ken began collecting and renting vintage pieces for productions, quietly building an archive that would eventually become something much larger. In 1999, alongside his husband and business partner Greg Kelly, he launched Vintage Martini — and in 2007, they opened their first brick-and-mortar store. Martini Consignment has since grown into a globally recognized destination for rare and collectible fashion, named by Vogue as one of the best vintage stores in the world. In 2025, Ken and Greg were invited to exclusively represent the archives of legendary French couture house Pierre Cardin.

Ken’s influence extends well beyond retail. He has curated acclaimed fashion retrospective exhibitions for Galleria Dallas and served on the board of Fashion Group International — supporting emerging designers and honoring fashion’s most influential voices worldwide. He is, in every sense, a steward of fashion history.

And then there is DIFFA. Ken first walked through our doors in 1994, volunteering backstage at our signature jacket presentation. Twenty-five years later, he returned to curate the DIFFA Jacket Collection — and has since served as Style Council Ambassador, Board Member, and Board Chair. This is not his résumé, but his love letter to this organization and the community it serves.

Tonight, DIFFA Dallas is proud to present the Candy Long Excellence in Fashion Award to a man who has shown up for us, again and again, for more than thirty years.

2026 DIFFA DALLAS AWARDS

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Carlo Barone

David White Legacy of Love Award Carlo Barone’s story is not a straight line — and that is precisely what makes it remarkable.

Raised in Detroit, Carlo built his early life around family, marrying and raising two children before making a bold move to Dallas in his late 30s. That move would change everything. In Dallas, Carlo embraced his truth — coming out as gay, finding his life partner and husband of nearly three decades, and discovering a community that would become the foundation of everything he does. It was a reinvention that took courage — and one that opened doors, personally and professionally, he never could have imagined.

That personal transformation did not happen in isolation. Guided by mentors who modeled what it looks like to lead with purpose — David Andrews, Steve Lopez, Joe Riggs, and Jason Hanna — Carlo reached a turning point. He could no longer sit on the sidelines of causes that mattered deeply to him.

That conviction became action.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in national accounts and spirits sales, Carlo founded OneBarUSA — a spirits brokerage and portfolio company built on the belief that business should be a force for good. Under his leadership, OneBarUSA has become a consistent and committed champion of LGBTQ+ causes, leveraging its platform and its relationships to elevate the organizations and communities that need it most. For DIFFA Dallas, that has meant years of generous spirits sponsorships that have helped make our events possible — from intimate gatherings to our largest nights of the year.

Carlo does not write a check and walk away. He shows up. He advocates. He brings others along with him. The David White Legacy of Love Award exists for people exactly like him — individuals whose support is not transactional, but deeply, genuinely personal.

Tonight, we are proud to honor a man who decided, at a pivotal moment in his life, that sitting on the sidelines was no longer an option — and has never looked back.

2026 DIFFA DALLAS AWARDS

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Yolanda Jones

Donna Fishel Community Hero Award Yolanda Jones has dedicated her entire professional life to one mission: ensuring that individuals and families living with HIV and AIDS have access to the care, support, and dignity they deserve.

A Dallas native and proud product of this community, Yolanda’s commitment to this work began long before her executive career.

She has served as a case manager, an outreach worker, an HIV tester, and a food pantry volunteer. She worked at Camp Hope, supporting children prenatally infected with HIV. As she has said herself: “I’ve done everything. Every aspect of that space, I’ve done.” That grounding — in the real, human work of this epidemic — is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

Her career spans more than two decades of senior leadership across some of the most respected HIV/ AIDS organizations in Texas — from AIDS Foundation Houston, where she managed housing for HIVpositive young adults aging out of foster care, to UT Southwestern Medical Center, to The Resource Group, where she oversaw compliance across more than 50 HIV/AIDS service providers. From 2020 to 2024, she served as Vice President and COO of AIDS Services of Dallas before being appointed Executive Director of AIDS Interfaith Network in 2024. Throughout it all, she has remained deeply embedded in the broader policy landscape — serving as Chair of the Allocations Committee for the Ryan White Planning Council for the Dallas area and on the Housing Forward Continuum of Care Assembly Executive Council, helping shape the systemic response to HIV and homelessness across North Texas.

At AIN, Yolanda leads a comprehensive continuum of care spanning case management, behavioral health, HIV testing, prevention education, housing, and food services. When AIDS Outreach Center in Fort Worth needed steady leadership, the community turned to her — and she stepped in as interim CEO without stepping back from AIN. It speaks volumes about the trust she has earned across this region.

Tonight, DIFFA Dallas is proud to present the Donna Fishel Community Hero Award to a leader who has never lost sight of the people at the center of this work — and who has spent her entire career making sure they are never forgotten.

2026 DIFFA DALLAS AWARDS

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Black Tie Dinner

Legend in the Fight Against AIDS Award Some organizations write history quietly, year after year, check by check, until one day you look back and realize the scale of what they have built. Black Tie Dinner is one of those organizations.

Founded in 1982 by a small group of North Texans who saw a community in need and decided to do something about it, Black Tie Dinner has grown into the largest LGBTQ+ fundraising dinner in the nation. What began as a single evening generating a $6,000 donation has, over 45 years, distributed more than $33 million to up to 20 North Texas nonprofits annually — alongside its national partner, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is run entirely by volunteers.

Every dollar raised, every check written, every beneficiary selected — the result of people who showed up because they believed it mattered.

The organization’s commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS runs deep and runs long. As early as 1983 — just their second year in existence — Black Tie Dinner began directing proceeds to AIDSrelated organizations, making a deliberate choice to stand with a community that was being devastated and largely ignored. Decades later, that commitment has never wavered. HIV and AIDS service organizations across North Texas — including many that DIFFA Dallas is proud to call partners — have been sustained, year after year, in part because of Black Tie Dinner’s generosity and consistency.

Today, Black Tie Dinner’s reach extends across the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ life in North Texas — supporting organizations focused on mental health, housing, youth crisis intervention, faith, arts, and healthcare. Their 2025 distribution of more than $1.3 million is the latest chapter in a legacy of impact that has shaped this community in ways that are difficult to fully measure, and impossible to overstate.

They call it “A Ballroom for Everyone.” And for 45 years, they have meant it.

Tonight, DIFFA Dallas is proud to present our highest honor — the Legend in the Fight Against AIDS Award — to an organization that has been fighting alongside us, and for us, since the very beginning.

2026 DIFFA DALLAS AWARDS

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Jan Strimple Former International Couture Model | Fashion Event Producer There are people who pass through an organization, and there are people who become part of its foundation. Jan Strimple is the latter.

Her story begins, as so many great ones do, with an unlikely discovery. In 1982, designer Bob Mackie called Dallas in search of a model with a very specific set of measurements. There was only one who fit. Jan flew to New York, walked his press show, and the world took notice. What followed was a career that took her from Dallas to Moscow to Hong Kong — walking runways for Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfeld, Givenchy, Carolina Herrera, and Bob Mackie himself. CNN’s Elsa Klensch called her one of the most sophisticated models in the world. The Dallas Morning News named her model nonpareil. Her presence was so distinctive that London’s Adele Rootstein mannequin company immortalized her likeness and placed her in store windows across the country.

But Jan understood, perhaps better than anyone, that fashion is not just about the clothes. It is about the construction, the movement, the story a garment tells. As a trained seamstress who could speak to a designer in the language of a garment’s inner architecture, she was not simply a model — she was a collaborator. That sensibility made her transition from runway to production seamless, and inevitable. She founded Jan Strimple Productions and became, by any measure, the preeminent fashion event producer in Dallas — producing more than 60 shows a year for clients ranging from NorthPark Center and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League to New York’s Fashion Week.

In 2001, Bob Mackie — the man who had discovered her — trusted her entirely with his last two press shows for 7th on Sixth.

They received standing ovations.

DIFFA DALLAS LEGACY TRIBUTE

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A pas de deux with her own legacy Jan Strimple alongside her Adele Rootstein mannequin, affectionately dubbed “the Jannequin.”

And then there is DIFFA. DIFFA Dallas did not begin on a stage like this one.

It began with friends caring for friends. Neighbors refusing to look away in the face of unimaginable loss. What felt, to some, like a crisis to be ignored was, to others, a call to act. This organization was built by people who answered that call — who raised their hands, gave their resources, and showed up year after year for a fight that demanded everything and promised nothing in return. For more than three decades, that work has not stopped. Neither has the need for it.

Jan Strimple answered that call more than twentyfive times on this stage. She was in the room when House of DIFFA was still becoming what it would be, and played a major hand in what it became. She trained the models. She set the standard on this runway. She brought with her an entire industry... designers, students, mentees...many of whom are in this room tonight, carrying forward what she built.

That is what a legacy looks like. Not a moment, but a movement. Not one person, but every person they inspired to stay in the fight.

The DIFFA Dallas Legacy Tribute exists because the people who built this mission deserve to be seen.

Because gratitude, expressed out loud, is its own form of inspiration. And because the fight is not over, which means the work of honoring those who carried it is not over either.

Tonight, DIFFA Dallas is proud to present the inaugural DIFFA Dallas Legacy Tribute to the inimitable Jan Strimple — not as an award, but as an acknowledgment that some contributions cannot be quantified. They can only be honored.

DIFFA DALLAS LEGACY TRIBUTE

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Congratulations, house of diffa.

A celebration of design, distinction, and enduring impact.

CHEERS!

HARRI & TIMM

BA R BER I ES THE TIC S

harriandtimm.com DALLAS DESIGN DISTRICT

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hello@cortniedee.com | @cortniedee 69

Paint that painting experts trust.

Wall: Salamander 2050-10, Regal® Select, Eggshell Trim: Salamander 2050-10, Regal® Select, Satin ©2026 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore, Regal, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. 4/26

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2026 SILENT AUCTION DIFFA Dallas would like to thank the following companies & participants for their generous donations to this year’s Silent Auction.

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DIFFA Dallas recognizes and thanks the past Board Chairs and Event Chairs whose leadership, time, and commitment have played a meaningful role in advancing the organization’s mission.

Their guidance and stewardship have helped shape our events, strengthen our fundraising efforts, and support the continued impact of DIFFA Dallas across North Texas.

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BOARD CHAIRS

EVENT CHAIRS

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992

Stephen Burrus Stephen Burrus Stephen Burrus Karen Muncy Jody Clarke Rebecca Hettich Jo Marie Lilly Karen Muncy Rebecca Hettich Kent Munson Jo Marie Lilly Scott Deakins Patricia Martin Teresa Carson John McGill John R. Clutts Donna Fishel Donna Fishel Andrew Britton Greg Johnson Greg Johnson Dr. Gary Tigges Dr. Gary Tigges Mark Stafford Clint Bradley Clint Bradley Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak Clint Bradley Justin W. Bundick Chuck Steelman Steve Weir Lee Borchert Tim Garippa Tim Garippa David White David White Micheal Buss Ken Weber

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2022 2023 2024 2025

Ken Boyd and Stephen Burrus David C. Davis and Donna Faircloth Karen Muncy Stephen Burrus, Jody Clarke and Bonnie Goldberg Barbara Buzzell, Greg Cassell, Jody Clarke, Candance Krause, Jeanne Milligan and Karen Muncy Nancy Lundgren, Terry Lundgren and George Porter Stephen Burrus Kent Munson Jo Marie Lilly Scott Deakins Dr. Kevin Terrell John Clutts Todd Fiscus Rhonda Sargent Chambers Densil Adams and Neale Jones Greg Haynes Johnson and Dr. Gary Tigges David Nelson Jeffrey Horn and Bryan Long Neale Jones John Ahrens and Mark Stafford Mark Stafford Darin Kunz and Matt Wilkerson Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak Jim DiMarino Chuck Steelman Clint Bradley Sami Abboud Lee Borchert and Tim Garippa Tim Garippa Clint Bradley, Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak, Justin W. Bundick and Jim DiMarino Haley Clark and Richard Rivas Tim Garippa & Jacob Samson Payton Martin & Jacob Samson

2026/27 SEASON OF EVENTS GRANTS RECEPTION — AUGUST 2026 The DIFFA Dallas Grants Reception takes place in August 2026, bringing together the community to celebrate and directly fund the North Texas AIDS Service Organizations doing vital work in HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support. An evening of gratitude, impact, and purpose.

BURGERS + BURGUNDY — OCTOBER 1, 2026 The 16th Annual Burgers & Burgundy returns to Village Dallas for an evening of signature sliders and hand-selected wines from a curated lineup of celebrity chefs. This beloved kickoff brings the annual reveal of the House of DIFFA theme and the introduction of the incoming Style Council.

WREATH COLLECTION — DECEMBER 2026 The DIFFA Dallas Holiday Wreath Collection returns the first week of December 2026, kicking off the holiday season with one-of-a-kind wreaths and festive décor created by designers, artists, and retailers from across the country.

PATRON PREVIEW PARTY — MARCH 2027 The Patron Preview Party returns March 2027. An intimate evening for DIFFA Dallas’s most dedicated supporters, PPP offers an exclusive first look at the Jacket collection before the main event — paired with cocktails, conversation, and a shared commitment to the mission.

HOUSE OF DIFFA — APRIL 24, 2027 Join us for the 35th Annual House of DIFFA — DIFFA Dallas’s signature black tie gala and one of Dallas’s most iconic fashion spectacles of the year. Benefiting those impacted by HIV/AIDS, this historically sold-out event returns April 24, 2027, to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ROBYN CHAUVIN PRODUCTIONS WOULD LIKE TO THANK Creative Director / Producer Robyn Chauvin

Mentor & Motivator Jan Strimple

Assistant to the Producer Maya Mukherjee

Music and Staging Director Curtis Harnagel

Lead Styling Directors Barri Martin-Pautz Heather Lundy

Stylists Geovany Martinez Bill Peck

Lead Dresser Jane Sublett

Headsets Sarah Blacketer

Designers and Creators Antonio Wingfield Alyssa Mercer Bill Peck Billy Fulmer Cat Dillon Johnny Johnson Matthews Kevin Hees Nicolas Villalba Rob Bradford Shadia Lee Shane Walker

Production Assistance Nikki Trizza Moncrief

CVO Payton Martin

Special Thanks To Danny Cabrera

Special Charachters Alyssa Edwards Bleach Cassie Nova Chris James Kahle Courtney Stens Elliott Puckett

Gym & Spa Scene Dancers Choreo: Christen Ancona

Ghost Scene Dancers Sydney Blalock Ritchie National Ballet of Texas

Modeling Agencies Campbell-Wagner Runway J3 by Willie Johson Kim Dawson Agency Fabulous Volunteer Models Retail/Clothing Partners Annia Jenkins Clotheshorse Anonymous Dallas Market Center Dancewear Defined David White Collection Don Morphy Esé Azénabor Joel Kaye/Morris Kaye Furs Luxury Consignment Martini Man / Vintage Martini Reem Couture Stephen Goudeau

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Xten Ancona Chris Hornbuckle Carlos Hernandez Amber Clanton Adony Rios Amber Sathorn Mattie Ostlund Marina Cassidy

Haley Whitman Erika Bressler Miriam Fease Millie Wallace Blanca Gallegos Canstañeda Sydney Ritchie Lexi Davidson

DIFFA Jacket Collection Dancers Booker T. Washington Dance Conservatory Juniors/Seniors Kate Walker, Dance Conservatory Director Zane Unger, Assistant Director Hair & Makeup Ghosts Who Haunt These Halls & Masquerave Scenes Artists Al Tidwell Brenda McKinney Brinkley Wheeler Cheryll Smith Gi Gi Coker Lauren Bridges

Mavel Traylor Paige Anderson Pi Leonard Shannon Dowling Vee Artistry

Backstage Team Dereck Longoria Greyson Neel Helen Thomas Jake Arredondo Kayla Lagunas Salma Benitez Willie Johnson Drag Queens Andrew Guy Barbie Davenport Dupree Dia Monte I.V. Marcs Skyy JT Davenport Leche Diamante Leyla Edwards Penelope Devereaux Hair & Makeup Lobby, Bar & Pool Scenes Scene Beauty Directors About Face Pros Tina Adams-Mason Bianca Benefield Artists A’Myeh Fisher Bianca Benefield Diana Guerra Diana Sandoval Elettra Farah Janelle Jex Janette Pantoja Jessica Bishop Jessica Valle Madee Adams Mallory Anderson Nickira Anderson Rae Busby Sabreeyah Hackett Taire Jai Stevenson Taunya Armstead Tina Adams-Mason Trisha Mayrack Tya Bates

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS EMERALD CITY PRODUCTIONS WOULD LIKE TO THANK Production Manager Ryan McGinnis

Motion Graphic Design Amuze Studio

Jib Operator Stephen Swanzy

Production Designer & Show Director Nick Loudermilk

Graphics Operator Joel Olivas

Lead Audio Engineer Damian Diaz

Video Editor Matt Spolidoro

Audio Engineer Chris Cotter

Camera Technician Bobby Kurtz

Playback Technician Jacob Rhines

Camera Operators Shelby Hoyl Lanie Westmoreland Larry Wright Guy Opper

Special Effects Travis Wiley of grid.lasers

Lighting Designer & Operation Luke Atkison Stage Manager Tyler Dickerson Video Director Matthew Lewis

Special Thanks To John Stephens Isreal Hernandez Affirmative Labor Solutions X Plus Scenic Group Silverscreen Engineers Kuster Sign Co. Dallas Prompter Entertainment Rigging Services

Lead Staging Technician Kyle D’Angelis

PRODUCTION SPONSORS & PARTNERS

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