Dallas’ TWO x TWO For AIDS & Art’s Silver Swan Song Soars

Eight Figures Raised At The 25^th – And Final – TWO x TWO Benefiting amfAR And Dallas Museum Of Art

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Bruno/Snap The Picture and Kevin Tachman

THE SCENE: The estate of philanthropists Howard and Cindy Rachofsky in Dallas was the recent setting for an unforgettable night that was both a celebration of a quarter century of one of Texas’ most storied nonprofit events as well as a swan song that marked the end of an era in Texas fundraising lore. A sold-out crowd of over 500 of the world’s most prominent art patrons, sociables, and philanthropists were on hand for the final TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art for an evening of tributes, art, and musical performances.

THE VIBE: The high black-tie crowd featured patrons donning a mix of traditional, classic looks with more avant-garde ensembles that created a celebratory, festive environment for all. More than a few attendees took advantage of the 25^th anniversary by wearing silver to accent what a special night was upon the guests as they arrived for cocktail hour.

During cocktail hour, guests had the opportunity to pose for images on the red carpet, while others took advantage of the stunning large backdrop of a 30-foot dress constructed of red roses, which served as the ultimate Instagrammable moment to commemorate this special night. With fun tunes, courtesy of DJ Lucy Wrubel spinning atop the elaborate rose dress installation, revelers were able to preview the 92 works of art for auction while sipping on luxe cocktails, including the signature beverage, “Cindy’s Margarita” featuring Casa Dragones Tequila.

Revelers then gathered in the 7,000-square-foot geodesic dome erected on the Rachofsky grounds for the evening’s main program. Todd Fiscus of Todd Events provided an epic experience that gave the illusion of stepping inside a disco ball, complete with a dazzling palette of white flowers and candles against silver linens. This grand entrance caused more than a few jaws to drop as they surveyed the room.

Once guests took their seats, Master of Ceremonies Alan Cumming commenced the program with a witty, side-splitting monologue that charmed the audience. Attendees then enjoyed a delectable, multi-course meal courtesy of Chef Juan Garrido of Art2Catering.

During dinner guests were treated to words from event leaders. This included the announcement of a newly created Rachofsky Contemporary Art Fellow position at the Dallas Museum of Art for their support of the organization over the past quarter century and beyond. Additionally, amfAR announced the amfAR award given at various events from around the world would be renamed amfAR’s Cindy and Howard Rachofsky Award for Artistic Excellence.

Once dinner ended, the crowd was treated to a performance by 10-time Grammy-Award-winning musician Chaka Khan. The legendary musician brought the crowd to their feet as she belted out several of her most iconic tunes, including I’m Every Woman, I Feel For You, and Ain’t Nobody.

After the auction came a final bow by Howard and Cindy Rachofsky where guests stayed on their feet to rapturous applause in gratitude for their support of two fantastic causes and creating so many wonderful, magical memories over the years. They were joined by other TWO x TWO event leaders including TWO x TWO event co-hosts John and Lisa Runyon, TWO x TWO Executive Director Melissa Ireland, TWO x TWO Director of Auction Megan Gratch, Sotheby’s Head of Contemporary Art Michael McCauley, and Todd Fiscus, Director of Todd Events.

The fun then moved to the epic after-party in a bronze-cathedral glass tent on the Rachofsky grounds where they were greeted to the tunes of Gen Heat known for covering Prince songs, which served as a nod to the inaugural TWO x TWO. As revelers cut a rug on the dance floor, a few happy tears were shed, favorite TWO x TWO stories were shared, and new memories were made as one of Texas’ most storied fundraising events ended with a bang.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 25^th Annual TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art hosted by Howard and Cindy Rachofsky and John and Lisa Runyon raised over $10 million, making the grand total $130 million to date. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards Dallas Museum of Art programs and initiatives and amfAR research initiatives to help find a cure for HIV/AIDS.