Two X Two Raises Over $8 Million For amfAR And Dallas Museum of Art
By Rob Giardinelli – Photography by Ryan Emberley/Getty Images
THE SETTING: The Rachofsky House in Dallas was the recent setting for the 21st annual Two X Two for AIDS and Art. The dinner, featuring 500 of Dallas, and the world’s most prominent philanthropists, capped off a week of fundraising. One of the events, First Look, held a few days before the gala, offered patrons an opportunity to preview the incredible art pieces for auction during the evening.
THE STYLE: From the moment the creative black-tie partygoers took to the “blue” carpet to pose for photos, they knew they were in for a special evening. After posing for photos, guests engaged in a lively cocktail hour courtesy of Ruinart champagne, Casa Dragones, Moët Hennessy and Belvedere. Here VIP’s mingled as they sipped their favorite spirit of choice while perusing an array of luxury silent auction items on display.
The festivities then moved into the 7,000 square foot, 48-foot high geodesic dome tent on the Rachofsky estate for the evening’s program. The space, designed by celebrity event planner Todd Fiscus, was a Moroccan inspired theme complete with exotic lanterns, candles, and tiles as well as hombre blue hydrangeas that greeted the guests who entered the space.
Partygoers then took to their seats and dined on a delicious multi-course meal while they enjoyed the program. Highlights of the evening included the presentation of the 2019 Award of Excellence for Artistic Contributions to the Fight Against AIDS to Alex Katz. Additionally, Oliver Barker, who is Sotheby’s Europe, Senior International Specialist, Contemporary Art, helmed the evening’s live auction. Barker kept the crowd engaged as the bids crept higher and higher for the seven priceless items up for bid, which included works by Sarah Crowner, Derek Fordjour, Barry X Ball, Frank Bowling, Ross Bleckner, and Andre Butzer.
To conclude the main program, the audience was brought to its feet with a show-stopping performance by music superstar Aloe Blacc, as he sang some of his greatest hits, including I, Need a Dollar and The Man. With the energy on a euphoric high, the fun moved to the back garden of the Rachofsky House for the after-party presented by Neiman Marcus. It continued into the wee hours of the morning, capping off an incredible evening those fortunate enough to attend will not soon forget.
THE PURPOSE: The event, co-hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, and John and Lisa Runyon, raised over $8 million for amfAR AIDS research initiatives as well as the Dallas Museum of Art’s contemporary art acquisitions and exhibitions. Over the past 21 years, Two X Two has raised over $92 million for these two organizations.