FUNDRAISING EVENTS GATHER THE INDUSTRY’S PREEMINENT INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND HOME DECOR BRANDS ANNUALLY TO SUPPORT LIFE-SAVING SERVICES FOR NEW YORKERS IN NEED

GROUNDBREAKER AWARDS DINNER, APRIL 14 @ CIPRIANI 25 BROADWAY

DESIGN ON A DIME, MAY 5 @ STORIED CHELSEA

Following a near record-setting event last spring, Housing Works announces a reimagining of its two signature spring fundraising events—The Groundbreaker Awards (GBA) and Design on a Dime (DOAD)—which will debut as separate, stand-alone benefits in 2026.

Housing Works is evolving both events to expand donor engagement, increase visibility across industries—including real estate, finance, healthcare, fashion, art, and design—and drive greater impact for its housing and healthcare mission.

The Groundbreaker Awards serves as Housing Works’ annual celebration of all donor communities and remains mission-focused with a seated dinner and all the components of a traditional charity gala. Founded in 2004, Design on a Dime gathers together top interior designers to create incredible room vignettes curated and styled with donated merchandise from dealers, home decor brands, and artists. All merchandise in these one-of-a-kind rooms is sold at “charitable” prices to design-savvy attendees.

By scaling DOAD to 20 rooms created by 20 top designers, adding immersive sponsor and partner activations, and making the event a “one-day-only” experience, DOAD26 is projected to generate more buzz, increased media/social impressions, and greater return to the charity.

Following 20+ years of dedicated and successful service to Design on a Dime, Founding Chair James “Ford” Huniford has stepped down from his role. Housing Works remains grateful for Ford’s leadership and vision–for over two decades.

“When Ford came to me over 20 years ago with the idea for Design on a Dime, I couldn't imagine the success it would become,” says Matthew Bernardo, President of Housing Works, Inc. “Thanks to the leadership support of Ford – and the broader design community - the event is now one of the nation’s leading design-focused charity benefits.”

“After two decades, it’s time for a change and for a new voice to steward the next phase of Design on a Dime’s story,” says Huniford.

This year’s co-chairs include: Rayman Boozer, Jamie Drake, Cliff Fong, Elissa Grayer, Young Huh, David Kaihoi, Charlotte Moss, Joy Moyler, and Miles Redd. Additional leadership and GBA honorees will be announced in early February.

WHEN:
The Groundbreaker Awards
Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Design on a Dime
Tuesday, May 5, 2026

WHERE:
The Groundbreaker Awards
Cipriani 25 Broadway
25 Broadway
New York, NY

Design on a Dime
Storied
547 W 26th Street
New York, NY

For more information about Housing Works visit housingworks.org. Join Housing Works on Facebook. Follow Housing Works on Twitter, Housing Works Instagram, and Design On A Dime Instagram. #designonadime #doad2026 . For more information, please contact Jada Williams at jada.willbk@gmail.com or 646.342.2486.

About Design on a Dime:

Design on a Dime, founded in 2004 by designer James Huniford, gathers together a broad assembly of top interior designers to create incredible room vignettes curated and styled with choice donated merchandise from key dealers, home decor brands, and artists. All merchandise in these one-of-a-kind rooms is then sold at charitable prices to design-savvy attendees.

About Housing Works:

Established more than 30 years ago to end the dual crises of AIDS and homelessness, Housing Works today develops and operates community healthcare clinics, housing, and other supportive services throughout New York City. Housing Works advocates for policies that address health equity and social justice on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS, those experiencing homelessness, the LGBTQ community, and all New Yorkers in need. Housing Works fundraises through its beloved chain of social enterprise retail including Housing Works Thrift Shops, Bookstore Cafe, and New York’s first adult-use dispensary.