DIFFA Dallas‘ annual Burgers And Burgundy is always a feast of food, beverages, news and sights. And this year’s experience at The Village Dallas on Thursday, October 10, lived up to its reputation. With award-winning Chef John Tesar returning once again with a load of area chefs to do their interpretations of best burgers, the night was filled with people watching as well as the presentation of the 2024-2025 DIFFA Style Council and the announcement of the 2025 House of DIFFA mega fundraiser. Here’s a report from the field.
DIFFA Dallas hosted a truly unforgettable evening showcasing culinary expertise, extraordinary flavors, and profound commitment to changing lives at its 15th Annual Burgers And Burgundy event on Thursday, October 10, at The Village Dallas.
This culinary extravaganza, presented by the renowned Michelin™ Star Chef John Tesar, united a prestigious lineup of celebrity chefs from the heart of Dallas, bringing together passionate foodies, philanthropists and advocates for a common cause.
Burgers And Burgundy is the kick-off to DIFFA Dallas’ fundraising season, which continues with its Holiday Wreath Collection on Thursday, December 5, at the Empire Room and culminates with its annual gala, House of DIFFA, on Saturday, May 3, at the Sheraton Dallas.
Each chef showcased their unique spin on the perfect slider, thoughtfully paired with wines to complement. Masterful Chefs who participated included:
- John Tesar – Knife Restaurant Group
- Andrew Cardillo – Sheraton Hotel
- Aubrey Murphy – SER Steak And Spirits
- Eduardo Osorio – Meridian at The Village
- Jacob Williamson – The Saint
- Jessica Cortes – Hamburger Mary’s
- Jon Stevens – Stock and Barrel
- Jose Quezada – Delucca Gaucho Pizza And Wine
- Roman Murphy – Perch Bistro and Bar
- Ryan Carbery – Nikki Greek Bistro
While guests like Ashley Anderson Smith, Shelle Carrig, Amy Baumann, Brendan Auguem, Weston Balskus, Robert Wiley and Aaron Sherk enjoyed their burgers and wine under the stars, local Drag Queens Leche Diamond, Ramaya Lord, Symphony McKnight Capri and Penelope Devereaux walked around showcasing raffle tickets to guests. Luxurious raffle prizes included
- A week-long vacation to a week in Cabo San Lucas;
- A Celebrity Chef Experience with Chef John Tesar including dinner for four plus wine pairings at Knife Dallas, plus a one-night stay at Hotel Swexan;
- An experiential dream staycation at The Village, including a two-night stay at The Drey Hotel, Pickleball at The Sandy Pickle, and food and drink experiences at La Mina and Buzz And Bustle;
- Treatments and experiences from Mara’s Meda Spa;
- A personalized commissioned painting by Christi Meril;
- A one-year membership to Roots and Water Private Wine Room;
- Explore Dallas package including a gift card to Town Hearth and a one night stay at The Crescent Hotel, and a private wine tasting for ten people at Times Ten Cellars; and
- A health and fitness package with three private training sessions at Pit Fit Dallas, a six-month membership to Park Cities Personal Training and a $450 gift card to Punch Drunk Chef Meal Prep.
Guests like Brad Pritchett and David Chadd enjoyed music by DJ Shane Allen while they were able to shop local Dallas merchants selling products on the lawn, including custom jewelry, purses, vintage designer pieces, and candles. The event featured lounge areas and picnic tables throughout the space for guests, including Danny Cabrera, Curtis Harnagel and Robyn Chauvin to enjoy while they had the opportunity to participate in a wine pull, where guests had the option to go home with a delicious bottle of wine. After enjoying sliders, patrons made their way over to Botolino for some refreshing gelato and to La Rue for a tasty donut before heading over to the MirMir Photo Booth.
Halfway through the evening, Burgers And Burgundy Co-Chairs Rhiannon Bolen, Brandon Bell and Jonathan Flores took to the stage to welcome guests, including Kevin Lewis and Scott Bates, to the event and thank the special people who contributed to the event’s success.
“There would be no Burgers And Burgundy without John Tesar,” Bolen said. “His continued stewardship of this event has allowed it to grow in amazing ways. We are especially grateful to the incredible chefs who have prepared delicious sliders tonight!”
They thanked sponsors Times Ten Cellars, Kruto Vodka, Ray Scott State Farm, Mara’s Med Spa, Rhiannon and Jeff Bolen, Eric Bright, Jenifer Strauss, TalentMeID LLC and Rob Wiley and Brendon Luguern for their immense support of this event. They also thanked The Bread Stone Ovens Company, Jackson Durham, Botolino, 44 Farms, Topo Chico, Empire Baking Company, Pit Fit Dallas, Punch Drunk Chef, Rahr And Sons and Inkling And Co. The co-chairs lastly extended a huge thank you to The Village Dallas for hosting the event on the Glen Lawn.
Bolen then reminded the crowd of the mission behind the event and how everyone’s attendance was helping to raise funds to support AIDS Services Organizations in North Texas.
“Because of our incredible sponsors and patrons, in August, we were able to present grants to 24 deserving groups who dedicate their work to supporting HIV/AIDS patients and families,” Bolen said.
2025 Style Council Chair Paige Westhoff joined Bell on stage to announce the select group of social, civil and business leaders that make up the DIFFA Dallas Style Council. Style Council Ambassadors play a crucial role in DIFFA’s efforts to raise the critical funds needed to support the organization’s grant philosophy of closing the gap left by insufficient and declining government funding, culminating with a walk down the runway at House of DIFFA.
The 2025 DIFFA Dallas Style Council Includes:
- Abbe Fenimore – Interior Designer
- Ashley Anderson Smith – Interior Designer and Creative Director of AAS Originals
- Bill Moore – Owner of AdvancedYOU And The PhalloFill Clinics
- Chad Collom – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Clayton Nabors – Accounting and Business Development Professional
- Danny Cabrera – VACAYA Resort Director, Flight Attendant and Show Director at Hamburger Mary’s
- Deborah Bowles – Wine and Spirits Executive
- Kelli Seliger – Realtor and Pilates Instructor
- Kelly Wolfenberger – General Manager at Sewell Automotive
- Korey Williams Andersen – Senior Fashion Advisor and Style Ambassador for Chanel
- Lisa Endicott – President of Endicott PR
- Michael Phelps – Fashion and Wardrobe Stylist
- Shelle Carrig & Amy Baumann – Global Real Estate Advisor at Sotheby’s International Realty and Chief Nursing Officer for CityDoc Urgent Care
- Sierra Tuthill – Director of Marketing for Exxir
- Sonia Simmons – Community Volunteer, Avid Golfer and World Traveler
- Sonya Mofor – Chief Operations Officer at Don Morphy
- Steve Hoyl – Founder and CEO of Hoyl Financial, LLC
The House of DIFFA event’s Co-Chairs Jacob Samson and Payton Martin then took to the stage to excite the crowd with the announcement of the upcoming House of DIFFA theme.
“Payton and I have thought long and hard about this year’s theme, as coming up with a House of DIFFA theme is not an easy task,” Samson said. “You all can be a tough crowd to please!” The crowd joined in laughter and then turned their attention to the screens to watch a promo video revealing the 2025 House of DIFFA: Dreamstate.
“This year, we invite you to join us in a world where dreams fuel our fight for a brighter tomorrow,” Martin said. “It’s a place where imagination shapes reality, and every dream brings us closer to a future without barriers. In the Dreamstate, we are not just spectators—we are creators. Together, we will build a future that’s both hopeful and powerful. The possibilities are endless, and it starts with each one of us.”
Samson thanked the returning title sponsor for House of DIFFA, the Louis L. Borick Foundation, for their continued support. Then recognized Robyn Chauvin Productions, Cybis Productions, and the talented team at Republic for bringing the event’s vision to life. Martin announced that tables for the event were now available for purchase.
House of DIFFA: Dreamstate will be held on Saturday, May 3, at the Sheraton Dallas. For more information about the event and updates on future DIFFA Dallas initiatives and events, please visit www.diffadallas.org.
* Photo credit: Danny Campbell