DIFFA/Dallas Collection Returns to the Hilton Anatole Hotel February 23 

Dallas, TX — The Dallas Chapter of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS announces the 19^th annual DIFFA/Dallas Collection 2008: Cinéma de la vie on February 23 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.  Proceeds from the evening provide much-needed financial support to AIDS service organizations in North Texas and beyond.   Annually, DIFFA/Dallas auctions off more than 100 Arizona jean jackets, graciously donated by JC Penney that are redesigned, restructured and reworked into unforgettable works of art for a live and silent auction benefiting the Foundation.  DIFFA/Dallas Collection 2008: Cinéma de la vie (Theater of Life) promises an unforgettable gala-dinner evening taking guests back to the glamour of 1930’s Hollywood.  . With the jackets taking center stage during an unpredictable and entertaining runway show featuring an incredible cast of acrobats, dancers, vocalists, actors and models leading guests on a visually stunning journey from the streets of Paris to a party at the hottest night club in New York that’s sure to have everyone dancing in the aisles! All the jackets are later auctioned off; along with fabulous packages including trips, jewelry and luxury items. With nearly 20 years experience in the design industry, Neale Jones takes the reigns as Event Chairman of Jacket Collection 2008 and is the first person to chair Jacket Collection twice.  “I’m honored to once again chair this event that raises valuable funds that have become critical to our local AIDS service organizations because of cutbacks in federal funding.  I’ve been inspired by how far we have come in the fight against HIV and AIDS and Cinéma de la vie will recognize those challenges and the challenges we still face,” says Neale.    Restaurateur Marc Serrao serves as vice-chair of the event.  Development partners Larry Hamilton and father Ted Hamilton of Hamilton Properties are honorary chairman. Additionally, DIFFA/Dallas Collection 2008 recognizes major contributors in the fight against AIDS with the DIFFA/Dallas Style Council, a panel selected for their stylish commitment to raising awareness and funds to combat the disease.  Style Council Chairman Don Gaiser and Honorary Chairman Dr. Rodger Kobes lead a group of Style Council Ambassadors to raise awareness of the fundraiser across the nation. “I’m thrilled to see the support for DIFFA/Dallas continue to grow through Collection and our fundraising events throughout the year so that we continue to ensure grants to the essential to ASO’s in North Texas who give support of all kinds to those living with HIV/AIDS,” says DIFFA/Dallas Chairman of the Board of Trustees Greg Haynes Johnson.  “We will continue to grow and fight until a cure can be found.” Cinéma de la vie will be held February 23, 2008 at The Hilton Anatole Hotel. For ticket and table sales information call 214.748.8580, email gkelly.dallas@diffa.org, or buy online at www.DIFFADallas.org. About DIFFA/Dallas  DIFFA/Dallas is the Foundation’s largest and most successful chapter in the country and has granted more than $4 million dollars to AIDS service organizations in the North Texas area.  The DIFFA/Dallas grants process includes site visits, fiscal scrutiny, and personal interviews with potential grantees to insure that funds are appropriated where they can do the most good.  DIFFA/Dallas plays a major part in HIV/AIDS funding, awareness and prevention education in the North Texas area.                                                         For more information, please visit www.DIFFADallas.org   ###   ARTWORK AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST Media Contact: Amity Thomas, athomas@marthatiller.com, 214.521.6677