R.S.V.P. DALLAS Archives

BRING ON THE FUNK

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2023 January February, Parties

amfAR’s Two X Two For AIDS And Arts Featuring Special Musical Guest Nile Rodgers

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Bruno and Kevin Tachman

THE SETTING: The Dallas home of Howard and Cindy Rachofsky was the recent setting for the 23rd annual Two X Two for AIDS and Art. Guests included over 500 of the world’s major art patrons and philanthropists. The evening featured beautiful art, showstopping musical performances, and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The high black tie crowd featured a dazzling array of custom gowns and tuxedos, which, when added to the art and music on display for the evening, gave partygoers a dazzling artistic trifecta of beauty. The evening began with cocktails courtesy of Tequila Casa Dragones and Belvedere Vodka. While guests sipped on their favorite spirit of choice, they mingled with other partygoers brimming with anticipation at the excitement of the fun evening ahead.

The action then moved to the 7,000-square-foot geodesic dome designed by event producer Todd Fiscus for the main program. As revelers walked into the space, they were entranced by an area, which had been transformed into a 21^st-century discothèque…complete with mirrored metals, white bleached wood and brushed brass in shades of chartreuse and burgundy.

Highlights of the program included a delectable multi-course, vegan menu, words from the event’s leaders, and a live auction headlined by Sotheby’s auctioneer Michael Macaulay. Then, the showstopping performances by music legend Nile Rodgers and CHIC, who belted their classic disco tunes, brought the crowd to their feet. The evening was capped off with an after party presented by socialite philanthropist Nancy Rogers, which ensured the fun continued into the wee hours of the morning as revelers danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Lucy Wrubel.

THE PURPOSE: Two X Two, co-hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and John and Lisa Runyon, raised over $9.4 million for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. Funds raised from the evening went toward essential AIDS research at amfAR and the Contemporary Art Acquisitions Fund at DMA. Over the past 23 years, Two X Two has raised over $113 million for these two organizations.

STAR OF THE CENTURY

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2023 January February, Parties

Dallas Historical Society’s Centennial Gala Honors The Moody Foundation

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Robert Wythe of Wythe Portrait Studio

THE SETTING: A beautiful fall evening at the Hall of State in Dallas was the recent setting for an evening a century in the making. Over 200 philanthropists, sociables, and community leaders were on hand for the Dallas Historical Society’s Centennial gala for an evening of great food, fantastic conversation, and touching tributes that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The black tie crowd began the evening with cocktails in the Hall of State foyer. The Dallas String Quartet provided the perfect sophisticated ambiance as guests sipped their favorite spirits. At the same time, they mingled with other patrons and viewed an assortment of interesting historical artifacts in Dallas’ unique and storied history.

Partygoers then ascended the stairs to the Hall of State’s main level for the program. As the crowd dined on a delectable multi-course meal, they were treated to a series of video testimonials, including one from former President George W. Bush. The highlight of the program was honoring The Moody Foundation, which, over the past 80 years, has awarded 4,900 grants totaling over $2 billion toward the betterment of Texas.

The evening was capped off with a Texas Two Step, where guests could either dance at an after party courtesy of Hunter Sullivan and his band, or be the first to view the large-scale, interactive diorama Texas Liberty Forever: The Table for the Alamo created by artist Tom Feely, currently on display at the Hall of State. The program’s highlight was The Moody Foundation being honored for their over 80 years of service, awarding 4,900 grants totaling over $2 billion toward the betterment of Texas.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Kristen Sanger and Lisa Singleton, raised funds for the Dallas Historical Society. Proceeds from the event will go towards the collection, preservation, and exhibition of more than three million unique artifacts that showcase the unique history of Dallas and Texas.

HORSE SENSE

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 November December, Parties

Equest Hosts 41st Annual Blue Ribbon Ball

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Nate Rehlander

THE SETTING: More than 550 patrons attended the 41st annual gala benefiting Equest, held at Texas Horse Park. Partygoers arrived to a champagne wall and a blue ribbon-inspired carpet that ran the length of the horse barn aisle. Posing for photos along the way with some of Equest’s equine friends, attendees mingled and enjoyed light bites before checking in.

THE STYLE: Emcee Jody Dean took the stage to welcome all in attendance. The color guard from the American Legion Post 21 followed, with attendees reciting the pledge of allegiance before enjoying a beautiful performance of America the Beautiful by Jana Bell. Then, the Equest board chairman Julie Sherman took the stage to recognize the recipients of the 2022 Citation Award: Lane Cates and her husband Brad McLain. They were instrumental in helping Equest complete the Al Hill, Jr. Arena through fundraising and contract management. Former NFL Dallas Cowboys player Timmy Newsome was awarded the 2022 Equest Rider of the Year Award, given to clients who have achieved outstanding progress on their equestrian skill goals. The Youth Award went to Olivia McLean, the Adult Award to Jaime Moore, and Jimmy Dean was the recipient of the Veteran Award.

THE PURPOSE: The event’s co-chairs were Carol and Bill Huckin, Finley and Eric Konrade, and Elsa Norwood, while Leslie and Hawkins Golden served as honorary chairs. The evening raised more than $600,000. Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine-assisted learning therapies, and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping, and learning disabilities, as well as veterans who receive all of Equest’s services at no charge.

WHERE THE HEART IS

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 November December, Parties

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Hosts Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron

THE SETTING: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS), with its 2022 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show, Make a Statement, welcomed more than 450 attendees to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for the 38th annual fundraiser. Artist Rolando Diaz entertained guests by creating an original work of art live onsite, which was then available for purchase in the silent auction.

THE STYLE: Mistress of ceremonies Lauren Przybyl, Fox 4’s Good Day Dallas anchor, led the program. Susie Barnett was then announced as the 2022 recipient of the Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award, given to a family or individual who is philanthropic in the community and has a “heart of gold” and a passion for LLS’ mission to help fight blood cancers. Dallas-native and renowned fashion designer Lela Rose was recognized with the 2022 ICON Award. The legendary Tom Landry was announced as the recipient of the 2022 Memorial Hero Award, which recognizes an individual in the community who has passed away and battled blood cancer. The Spirit of Tom Landry Character Award, given to a youth between 5–20 years old, who has battled blood cancer, was awarded to Amelia Dammen. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2021. The much-anticipated fashion show, produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple, featured models wearing this season’s fashions from Highland Park Village retailers.

THE PURPOSE: The luncheon’s chair was Lisa Loy Laughlin, and more than $570,000 was raised to support LLS’ mission of eradicating blood cancers. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS’ mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research worldwide, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS

by societytexas | Aug 31, 2022 | 2022 September October, R.S.V.P. DALLAS, Parties

AWARE Affair 2022 Enlists Vintage Flight Theme

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Danny Campbell and Rob Wythe

THE SETTING: The Star Skyline Hangar at the Braniff Centre set quite the scene for the AWARE Affair 2022, Soaring to New Heights Fighting Alzheimer’s. The evening began with a VIP reception in the Star Skyline upstairs lounge, as guests were greeted with a display of vintage Braniff flight attendant uniforms from the collection of Deborah Brown. She was also dressed in one of the fashionable uniforms by the renowned designer Emilio Pucci.

THE STYLE: The event’s emcee was Scott Murray, and Myrna D. Schlegel received the Founder’s Spirit Award. Although Schlegel was unable to attend in person, she shared her thanks with a video message. The Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Cindy Marshall, who was also given recognition for her longtime support of AWARE in its fight against Alzheimer’s.

THE PURPOSE: This year’s event was chaired by Mari Epperson and Sharon Ballew. Biddie and Lee Roy Jordan served as honorary chairs. AWARE is dedicated to fighting Alzheimer’s disease by providing funding and support to programs, projects, and research provided by nonprofit organizations that actively help individuals affected by Alzheimer’s in Dallas and the greater North Texas area. Attendees included the Presenting Sponsor, William C. Seanor, AWARE president Karisti Julia, Josey and Craig Kennington, and Greg Osler.

IN LIVING COLOR

by societytexas | Aug 31, 2022 | 2022 September October, R.S.V.P. DALLAS, Parties

Children’s Cancer Fund Gala Supporters Raise Funds

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Thomas Garza and Tamytha Cameron

THE SETTING: Cancer patients, survivors, their families, and celebrities gathered recently for a fashion show, dinner, and dancing in support of the 2022 Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, Color Out Cancer, presented by Amazon at the Hilton Anatole Dallas. The event began with a silent auction and VIP reception, followed by the dinner and program that featured cancer survivors modeling their bravery, as well as fashions provided by Dillard’s.

THE STYLE: Roger Staubach and Trop Aikman, who have been involved with the Children’s Cancer Fund for 33 years and 23 years, respectively, were joined by Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, Dallas Stars legend Marty Turco, Nicky Hilton, Kathy Hilton, Stacey Bendet, Michael Good, a Blue Origin astronaut, Tyler Toney of Dude Perfect, and other celebrities as runway escorts for 20 pediatric cancer patients, ages 6-17.

THE PURPOSE: Amanda Schufeldt Dillard was the event’s chair, while Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman served as honorary chairs. CCF is one of the nation’s leading fundraising groups in support of local research in the treatment and prevention of childhood cancers. The evening and its generous donors raised more than $1.5 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. In the past five years, CCF has raised over $5 million for pediatric cancer research and Child Life services, which has created four additional endowments for Children’s Health.