Las Vegas — 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. Local designers are creating over-the-top picnic baskets and tables to be purchased online at www.thecenterlv.org/picnic and then enjoyed with delicious food and fine wine in the shadow of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts (361 Symphony Park Ave.). UNLV Jazz Ensemble, songstress Toscha Comeaux 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. All proceeds will benefit The Center and DIFFA.

“Our vision [in 2015] was to create a fun event that exudes a casual elegance and celebrates design,” said Cray Bauxmont-Flynn, Picnic by Design Chair. “We are now aiming to target a cross-platform demographic of talented individuals, and it is important for us to keep ticket costs low and bring in new awareness to DIFFA and The Center. In past events only interior designers and architects have participated — for this year’s picnic, we are inviting floral designers, graphic designers, culinary masters, event designers and producers, set designers, stylists and photographers to participate, bringing a whole new audience to the event!”

"We are very excited to have such a committed and dynamic group of creative individuals and sponsors on board for Picnic by Design 2016," said Bauxmont-Flynn. “With this group of talented individuals DIFFA and The Center will be able to raise significant funds to provide preventive HIV/AIDS education and direct care services — the fight is not over.”

Along with Bauxmont-Flynn, International Market Centers President and CEO Robert Maricich serves as Honorary Chair. Cory Sadler, a member of The Center’s Associate Board, serves as co-chair. A number of nationally recognized Star-Chefs and name brands have signed on as participants and sponsors of the event.

For more information about Picnic by Design’s mission and ways to support the event as a designer or sponsor, or to purchase tickets to the event, please visit www.thecenterlv.org/picnic. Picnic baskets that serve two start at $300 each, and picnic tables that seat and serve eight start at $1,500 each — each designer chooses to sell their creation at a set price or at auction. Exclusive celebrity chef tables will also be available. 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.