Contract - July/August 2011 - (Page 18)

industry news Designers Rock to Fight AIDS More than 600 designers and industry leaders rocked out Saturday, June 11, to benefit the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS/Chicago (DIFFA/Chicago) at the organization’s Believe Rock N Gala. With a rock n’ roll theme, this 23rd annual event held at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile raised $385,000 for the DIFFA/Chicago Excellence in Care grant program and the DIFFA/ Chicago Endowment. To date, DIFFA Chicago has raised more than $38 million in the fight against AIDS. Gala highlights included the inspiring life story that Stephanie Castagnier presented. Known from the television series The Apprentice, Castagnier described her life as a child of parents who had both died of AIDS, and how she overcame challenges as she moved from Montreal to the United States to become a successful independent entrepreneur. After dinner, Evan Dando and The Lemonheads performed for a full dance floor at the ROCK ON! After Party. The evening honored DIFFA/Chicago’s incomparable Fellows from the Northwestern Memorial Foundation Fellowship who, through their dedicated work and research, have shown that finding a cure is a real possibility. The Unsung Hero recognition went to Jennifer Cusack of Corporate Concepts, who was recognized for her unwavering leadership. 1 2 3 Contract magazine was the gala’s National Media Sponsor, Herman Miller was the evening’s Legacy Sponsor, and Steelcase was the Presenting Sponsor. The Host Sponsors were Shaw Contract Group, Versteel, and the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. Décor Design & Sponsor was Kehoe Designs, and Brand Design & Sponsor was sparc, inc. The gala’s Sustaining Benefactor was The Design Center at The Merchandise Mart. 1. Ready for the DIFFA Gala, the room’s design—inspired by a concert venue aesthetic—was prepared by Kehoe Designs, sparc, inc., and Total Event Resources 2. Alli Chapman (left) of Skender Construction and Libby Gillen of Tandus Flooring 3. Stephanie Castagnier inspires the crowd with her story 4. Ron Wesel and DIFFA/Chicago Past Chairman Jennifer McGregor 5. Evan Dando performs 6. The DIFFA/Chicago Board of Directors, including Chairman Rick Gilman (front row wearing hat), gathered before the festivities began 4 5 18 contract july/august 2011 www.contractdesign.com 6 Photos courtesy of DIFFA/Chicago http://www.contractdesign.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - July/August 2011

Contract - July/August 2011
Contents
Editorial
Industry News
Product Focus: Change it Up
Product Focus: Angling for Attention
Product Focus: (Good) Writing on the Wall
Product Focus: Come Together
Best of NeoCon® 2011
Making a Marc
Becoming Kate
Ray of Light
True Blue
Nature Speaks
A New Home
Bloomie's New Edition
Shring to Fitness
Practice: Smaller, Sustainable Retail
Trends: Retail Retrofit
Designers Select: Fabrics
Sources
Ad Index
Perspectives

Contract - July/August 2011