On November 9th, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS will present a Tribute to Honor David Rockwell, DIFFA Board Chairman and world-renowned New York based architect and designer, for 12 years of commitment and dedication to the organization. The event will be hosted by fellow board member Whoopi Goldberg and feature a live musical tribute by one of Rockwell's favorite Broadway musicians, Kerry Butler of Catch Me If You Can, accompanied by acclaimed American composer, lyricist, arranger and performer, Marc Shaiman. Mary Fisher, known for her memorable speech at the Republican National Convention as a person living with HIV/AIDS, will present an award to Rockwell designed by Diller Scofidio +Renfro.

Radical Media's Jon Kamen produced a video tribute to Rockwell, which will take viewers through an incredible journey that chronicles his many milestones at DIFFA. The event will bring together some of the most talented and celebrated individuals in the worlds of fashion, interior design, art and architecture.

"We are deeply thrilled to be able to honor and thank David Rockwell," said David Sheppard, Executive Director of DIFFA. "David has a deep personal commitment to DIFFA and has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars over the course of his tenure making a large impact in our organization and the fight against HIV/AIDS as a whole."

Rockwell has been involved with DIFFA since 1994, serving as a board member since 1996 and as Chairman of the Board since 2000. Rockwell developed and executed several initiatives, resulting in major no-cost contributions to DIFFA. 

In addition, Rockwell was able to help DIFFA expand its philanthropic outreach and maintain its position as one of the top 50 HIV/AIDS funders in the country.  Prior to his involvement with DIFFA, Rockwell founded Rockwell Group in 1984, an award winning, cross-disciplinary architecture and design practice, based in New York City with a satellite office in Madrid. The Rockwell Group focuses on a diverse array of projects that range from hotels to hospitals, restaurants to airport terminals and Broadway set designs to consumer products. The Group has also participated in DIFFA's DINING BY DESIGN, their annual blockbuster benefit where extraordinary dining environments are created by design visionaries for specific sponsors. In addition to his work with DIFFA, Rockwell serves as a board member of the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum and Citymeals-on-Wheels.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit DIFFA's website.