Designer picnic baskets up for auction through April 25

In partnership with Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA), The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) will host the second annual Picnic by Design fundraising event, themed “Parasols in the Park,” at Symphony Park on Saturday, April 30. Fifty-six local designers have created over-the-top picnic baskets and tables currently being auctioned at www.thecenterlv.org/picnic, which will then be enjoyed with a gourmet style buffet picnic dinner in the shadow of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts (361 Symphony Park Ave.).

Songstress Toscha Comeaux, Gary Fowler, Rick Arroyo and male quartet These Guys will provide live entertainment throughout the evening. Lawn games and a VIP cocktail hour begin at 4:30 p.m. with the buffet-style dinner and live entertainment to follow at 5:30 p.m. Catering is provided by downtown restaurants Chow and Rock’N’oodles as well as Palms Casino Resort favorite N9NE Steakhouse.

“Since DIFFA directly targets the design community, Picnic by Design is a chance for us to show how we can use our craft and creative problem-solving abilities to bring awareness to the cause of HIV/AIDS education. DIFFA’s events all celebrate design and create an opportunity for us to focus on the positive side of fundraising,” said Executive Chair Cray Bauxmont-Flynn.

“It is important for the design community to support one another and come together. DIFFA provides this outlet and allows us to also support an important local organization with a focus on HIV/AIDS outreach and testing,” said Co-Chair Cory Sadler. “Because of the generosity of our sponsors, almost all proceeds will go to The Center and DIFFA to support their work.”

Gold Sponsors for the 2016 Picnic by Design event are Wynn Las Vegas, The Roger Thomas Collection and Las Vegas Design Center. Additional top sponsors include Christopher Guy, JBA Consulting Engineers, Robert Allen, Elan Collections, Shawmut Design and Construction, The Ascot Group and Forma Design & Architecture. Along with Bauxmont-Flynn and Sadler, International Market Centers President and CEO Robert Maricich serves as Honorary Chair.

To purchase baskets, tables or tickets to Picnic by Design, please visit www.thecenterlv.org/picnic no later than midnight on Sunday, April 25. Picnic baskets that serve two are being auctioned starting at $300 each, and picnic tables that seat and serve eight start at $1,500 each. Exclusive VIP chef tables are also available for purchase. For $125 per person, guests may also enjoy the dinner and activities without purchasing a basket or table. All guests must be 21 and older.