ARTFULLY AVANT-GARDE

ARTFULLY AVANT-GARDE

by | Feb 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 March April, Parties

Two X Two Raises Over $11M For amfAR And Dallas Museum of Art, Eclipses $100M Mark In All-Time Event Fundraising

 

By Rob Giardinelli      Photography by Bruno and Kevin Tachman

THE SETTING: The estate of Cindy and Howard Rachofsky was the recent setting for a historic evening that will forever live on in the annals of Texas fundraising lore. Almost 500 of the world’s most notable sociables and philanthropists gathered for the 22nd annual Two X Two for AIDS and Art event, with pandemic protocol in place and, in the process, raised eight figures in one night, eclipsing the $100 million fundraising mark over the history of this storied event.

 

THE STYLE: The black-tie crowd began the evening with cocktails on the grounds of the Rachofsky residence, courtesy of Tequila Casa Dragones, Moët Hennessy USA, and Belvedere Vodka, the latter of which featured a signature cocktail Cindy’s Filthy Martini, in a nod to the event’s hostess. During the cocktail hour, and throughout the evening, patrons viewed and bid on over 130 pieces of silent and live auction art, as well as experiential packages that were personally curated by the event host Howard Rachofsky and event Co-Chair John Runyon.  

 

Partygoers then proceeded to the 48-foot high, 7,000 square foot geodesic dome for the main program. The dome, designed by Todd Fiscus of Todd Events, was inspired by the works of acclaimed artist Yoshimoto Nara. A prominent leaf motif was featured throughout that perfectly complimented the organic shapes and evening’s color palette of chartreuse, burgundy, orange, and ivory featured both inside and outside the tent.

 

As guests dined on their decadent, multi-course meals, they were treated to words by event host Howard Rachofsky, as well as a presentation by amfAR Board Co-chairs T. Ryan Greenwalt and Kevin McClatchy, who presented special guest Yoshimoto Nara with the 2021 Award of Excellence for Artistic Contributions in the Fight Against AIDS. Next, Michael Macaulay of Sotheby’s hosted a dazzling live auction that included works from such acclaimed artists including María Berrío, Bosco Sodi, Asuka Anastacia Ogawa, Peter Bradley, Joel Mesler, Jiro Takamatsu, and Yoshitomo Nara. The evening was capped off by a showstopping concert by Rita Ora, who brought the crowd to their feet as she sang several of her iconic hits, including Let You Love Me, Ritual, Lonely Together, and Anywhere.

 

THE PURPOSE: The event, chaired by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and John and Lisa Runyon, with Nancy C. Rogers serving as the presenting sponsor, raised over $11 million for amfAR AIDS research initiatives and the Contemporary Art Acquisitions Fund at the Dallas Museum of Art. Over the past 22 years, Two X Two has raised over $104 million for these two organizations.

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DOWN TO A FINE ART

DOWN TO A FINE ART

by | Jun 30, 2019 | 2019 July Aug, Parties, Dallas

Eighth Annual MTV: REDEFINE Art Event Sizzles

By Rob Giardinelli          Photography by Bruno and Fort Lion Studio

THE SETTING: The Statler Hotel in Dallas was the setting for the eighth annual MTV RE:DEFINE Art Auction and Gala. Over 300 notable Sociables from Dallas, London and beyond were on hand for a fantastic evening of fun and fundraising.

THE STYLE: The evening began with cocktails where the rocker chic-attired crowd sipped cocktails while previewing 30 pieces of exemplary contemporary art and luxury experiences up for bid during the benefit auction. The action then moved into the ballroom for the evening’s program, which was emceed by MTV’s Rebecca Dudley. 

Highlights of the program included a live-auction helmed by world-renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury, who presided over spirited bidding of many priceless works. Among the items up for bid were two works from Marc Quinn, who was also honored during the program for his long-standing support of MTV RE:DEFINE. The program was concluded with a show-stopping performance by superstar Rita Ora. The fun continued well past midnight as partygoers danced the night away at an after party to the tunes of internationally known DJ Aeroplane who was flown in specifically for the event by after party host Giorgio of Los Angeles, capping off a magical evening that those on hand will always remember.

THE PURPOSE: The event was co-hosted by Joyce Goss and Kenny Goss, chaired by Sami Abboud, with Jonny Burt and Joe Kennedy serving as art chairs and raised over $1.6 million dollars. Proceeds from the evening will go toward HIV prevention and education through the MTV Staying Alive Foundation as well as arts education and awareness through the Goss Michael Foundation. Since it’s founding in 2011, MTV: REDEFINE has raised over $14 million dollars for these causes.

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