Rob Giardinelli
Sixteenth Annual Event Is Hosted At The Village Dallas With Food & Libations
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Thomas Garza and Don Clausen
THE SCENE: A beautiful evening at The Village Dallas marked the kickoff for one of Texas’ most beloved fashion and fundraising events. Several hundred of the area’s top community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 16th Annual Burgers + Burgundy. Benefiting DIFFA Dallas, the night boasted delicious food, spectacular fashion, and the long-awaited unveiling of the upcoming House of DIFFA Theme, Hotel Mystique.
THE VIBE: The Western-chic-attired crowd embraced the theme and then some. In the crowd, one could find a mix of traditional Western wear, cowboy hats, fringe, and boots, while others opted for a mix of both conventional cocktail and avant-garde looks. The result was a warm, welcoming environment for all who attended.
The night kicked off as guests grabbed their favorite spirits and mingled. Under elegant string lights and the tunes spun by DJ ApthOut, guests also took the opportunity to grab sample burger sliders from 16 different North Texas chefs, including Burgers + Burgundy Founder and MICHELIN™ Star Chef John Tesar.
and David White
Additionally, partygoers were entertained by local drag stars Leya Edwards and Leché Diamante. They purchased raffle tickets for a host of luxury items and experiences, including a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, a dinner for two at Knife Italian Steak by John Tesar, a dinner for six at LSA Burger, and VIP passes to the Seed Food and Wine Festival in Austin.
The crowd then gathered around the stage on The Village Dallas Lawn for the main program. Guests were treated to words from DIFFA Dallas leaders thanking them for being a part of a special evening. The main moment arrived as 2026 House of DIFFA Chairs David White and David Chadd revealed the theme for the upcoming gala: House of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique, to the delight and cheers of the crowd.
After the program concluded, the fun continued with an after-party. Guests continued to mingle, saw a preview of the newly remodeled Meridian at The Village Dallas, and danced to more tunes, capping off a beautiful night of fun and fundraising for one of Texas’ most beloved philanthropic organizations.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 16th Annual Burgers + Burgundy, co-chaired by Brandon Bell and J.R. Shoman, raised funds for DIFFA Dallas. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit organizations serving those affected with HIV/AIDS through grants that fulfill the organization’s mission to provide preventative education programs targeted to communities at risk for infection, as well as providing direct care, treatment, and services to those living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS in North Texas.
