Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries' leading charitable organization, today announced the exciting details of its 17th anniversary party. Gift for Life's Stakes Are High Casino, Benefiting DIFFA, will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, from 6-10 p.m. at La.venue New York, located at 608 W. 28th St. in New York City. The popular event will take place during the New York International Gift Fair..

The new party format will feature gambling, food, drink, music and dancing. Guests will mingle, network and compete for a stunning array of prizes.

“We want everyone to have serious fun while raising funds for a serious cause,” said Tabitha Bowling, chair of the Gift for Life board. “You won't want to miss this chance to entertain guests, network with industry associates, and compete for big winnings.”

Each year Gift for Life hosts regional events throughout the United States, as well as a national fund-raiser in New York City during the New York International Gift Fair. Funds benefit DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS.

The primary mission of Gift for Life and DIFFA is to eradicate the AIDS pandemic in the U.S. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports an increased incidence of HIV infections in the United States in 2008. Working together, Gift for Life and DIFFA will continue to raise funds for research and assistance programs.

Individual tickets are $150. To purchase tickets and for information on becoming a sponsor, visit www.diffa.org/giftforlife or contact jdexter@diffa.org.