DIFFA Was “Dramatically DIFFA-rent” This Year

Like a perfect North Texas storm front when a Rocky Mountain norther collides with a Gulf Coast backlash, two totally different groups fought for parking rights at the Hilton Anatole on Saturday, April 15. Taking over the Chantilly Ballroom and its primo valet drive was the Collin Country Children’s Advocacy Center. At the same time, DIFFA, which was holding “Dramatically Different,” its annual party in Trinity Hall, discovered valet parking was a modified self park. Guests found themselves entering a self-parking area and driving three-quarters way down the aisle, where the valets took over and parked the vehicle in a spot. Might have been just as easy to have self parked period. Had it been a rainy night, it would have been a long sprint to the hotel.

But DIFFA chairman of the board Mark Stafford must have an inside arrangement with Mother Nature. She was smiling on the DIFFA crew, though, so a little walk to the hotel and then on to Trinity Hall through the construction wasn’t a problemo at all.

Once in the reception area it was the age old DIFFA question, which was more fascinating: the models with the designs up for bid, or the veterans of past DIFFA’s in their prized auction purchases?

Gary Karwacki admitted that when he bought his Loretta Gonzales-designed jacket — with customized collar and a back of black-and-white photos of movie greats — back in 2008, he was just a bit tipsy. But he didn’t seem to have one regret.

That’s the get-out-of-jail card at DIFFA. If you purchase one of the designer pieces of clothing, you can opt to wear it instead of the traditional formal tuxedo attire. That is unless you’re Michael Stephens, who decided to showcase his calves in his kilt attire. “It’s fun to wear something couture and unique,” he said about the Scottish regalia that was designed by Tami Reed. But Tami doesn’t limit

herself to natty skirts for gents. She proved that by her own self-designed gown.

But then there were the true tuxedo-wearing traditionalists like Billy Bob Harris, who was escorting DIFFA award-winner Holly Forsythe. She picked up the Community Hero award.

Once the doors opened to the grand hall, the 1,200 guests discovered the results of Steve Kemble‘s designs and Jan Strimple‘s and Brian Brothers‘ creativity. Think big slice of a great Super Bowl party. The team had divided the mammoth hall in half. So, unlike in years past, dinner was on one side and then the guests were moved to the other half for the ballroom. Here guests discovered dessert stations,  dazzling staging, VIP Salons designed by local designers, a VIP seating area and a dance floor with music by DJ Brandon Olds. The highlight, of course, was the fashion show incorporating the infamous newly designed jackets on the 150 models.

You know that Jan is a real trooper. Little did anyone suspect that the red-haired fashion show producer’s father-in-law had just died.

Well done, Jan, Brian, Steve, Mark and all those involved in a great night and a successful effort to raise funds to fight HIV/AIDS.