Beneath the stunning arches of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the Design Industries Foundation, also known as DIFFA, staged its annual Angels & Demons gala on Thursday night, raising approximately $400,000 for the cause.

A crowd of more than 300 from the design and fashion communities were treated to cocktails, a candlelit dinner, performances by David Santiago and Jamie Gagliano and a narrated presentation from Christian Siriano showcasing five gowns inspired by Grohe fixtures and the “transformative power of water.” Also, Fern Mallis, founder of New York Fashion Week, former executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and longtime supporter of DIFFA, was the special guest of honor.

Guests were surrounded by whimsical installations from the imaginative minds of Pratt Institute, New York School of Interior Design and School of Visual Arts students. Hosts included Reem Acra, David Rockwell and Jamie Drake.

“We’re thrilled to host an elegant event that highlights how the design and fashion industries can drive meaningful change,” said Dawn Roberson, executive director of DIFFA. “As a founding board member of DIFFA, Fern played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s original mission to combat HIV and AIDS. Today, DIFFA has built upon that legacy to also provide support to individuals impacted by food and housing insecurity and mental health challenges. We’re excited to raise funds that will help further this vital work and continue making a difference in the communities DIFFA serves.”

DIFFA grants funds to organizations providing life-saving care and access to health care for individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS, as well as programs addressing food insecurity, housing instability, LGBTQIA+ support and mental health services. Since its founding, DIFFA has awarded more than $59 million to hundreds of nonprofits across the country.