5 Questions with Carol Hatton
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Carol Hatton is chairwoman for DIFFA’s Dining by Design. The national tour, now in its 10th year, displays over-the-top dinning room table designs from some of the nation’s top interior and fashion designers, including representatives from GE Monogram, Rosemount Estate and ELLE Decor. Local designers David Nelson, Shane Walker, Mary Ann Thomspon-Frenk, Michelle Nussbaumer, John Phifer Marrs and George Sellers will also be featured. The tables will be open for the public to view from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, with a donation of $10 to DIFFA. A cocktail party at the tables will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 22, with donations starting at $50. The tour’s stop in Dallas will be capped off with a gala dinner at $350. Tickets can be purchased at www.diffadalas.org.
What should people expect from Dining by Design this year? What makes the 10th year special?
People should expect a feast for the eyes, body, and heart, featuring the most outrageous table environments ever created. Dining by Design, with the help of co presenting sponsor, ELLE DECOR, along with editor-in-chief Margaret Russell, has exploded into a multicity tour now in its 10th year. Ten years of dedication to DIFFA is special.
Describe your favorite table design.
I have not seen the designs for this year. Everything is set up just days before the first preview on June 20. If last year’s creations are any indication, a lot of different styles will be represented. I have a feeling that picking a favorite will be difficult.
How did you get involved with DIFFA?
After losing a dear friend to AIDS, a DIFFA board member told me about DIFFA’s mission. I started volunteering in the DIFFA office. Then, I got involved with the planning of one of DIFFA’s events by serving on a steering committee. Several years ago, I was honored to be elected to the Board of Trustees. There are many ways that people can be part of DIFFA Dallas.
What has this experience taught you?
It takes many generous people giving their talents, time and money to make an event like this successful. I have gotten to know some wonderful people.
What would you say to people to encourage them to attend Dining by Design?
DIFFA Dallas is the only HIV/AIDS-specific nonprofit in North Texas that provides unrestricted grants to local HIV/AIDS service agencies enabling these agencies direct care and education programs when and where it’s needed most. I would encourage everyone to attend Dining by Design to view these innovative designs and help a great cause.
Soundout is a weekly column featuring people whose jobs and interests have an impact on the daily lives of members of the LGBT community. It features those who often go unnoticed by the press and community. If you’d like to recommend someone to cover in this column, contact staff writer Ben Briscoe at briscoe@dallasvoice.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, June 15, 2007.