This weekend in Dallas, the 25th annual TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art benefit dinner and contemporary art auction unfolded at the stunning Rachofsky House, co-hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky alongside Lisa and John Runyon. With presenting sponsor Saks, the sold-out event was a rapturous black-tie affair, with Master of Ceremonies Alan Cumming leading 500 guests to rejoice in the most prominent fundraiser in the U.S. on behalf of amfAR as well as the Dallas Art Museum.
Over the years, the tremendous endeavor has raised over $130.2 million in the name of AIDS research and in unyielding support of the museum’s Contemporary Art Acquisitions Fund. Evening highlights included the singular entertainment of Chaka Khan and the amfAR 2024 Cindy and Howard Rachofsky Award for Artistic Excellence bestowed upon the leading-edge Nicolas Party.
VIP’s and sponsors such as Ross Moody, philanthropist, and Gene and Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owners and philanthropists, joined esteemed guests and donors including Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, Creative Directors of Oscar de la Renta, Monse, as well as fashion designer Adam Lippes for an unforgettable night under the stars.
A Milestone Year as a Testament to the Generosity of Artists, Dealers, and Supporters
Melissa Ireland, Howard Rachofsky, Cindy Rachofsky, Lisa Runyon, John Runyon.
“As we mark the 25th and final year of TWO x TWO, we are deeply honored to have hosted this momentous event and humbled by its quarter-century legacy supporting two important causes: The Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS research,” said Howard Rachofsky, co-founder of the gala alongside his wife Cindy.
“This milestone year is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our artists, dealers, and supporters who have made TWO x TWO a cherished asset in our community for a quarter of a century. As we close this chapter, we reflect on the unique opportunity TWO x TWO has provided to celebrate visual arts while funding crucial research. This 25th anniversary celebration serves as both a culmination and a fitting farewell to an event that has left a permanent mark on our community.
“This milestone year is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our artists, dealers, and supporters who have made TWO x TWO a cherished asset in our community for a quarter of a century,”
—Howard Rachofsky
Todd Fiscus and Jeff Leatham Collaborate on a Captivating Artwork for TWO x TWO
Photo by Kevin Tachman.
Joyful guests enjoyed an effervescent cocktail hour surrounding a larger-than-life dress brimming with red roses perched atop an outdoor podium. Meticulously designed by Todd Fiscus in a wondrous collaboration with the visionary Jeff Leatham, the captivating creation invoked the universal AIDS awareness ribbon. Within the sweeping artwork, DJ Lucy Wrubel whisked guests away with her musical stylings.
Guests had the pleasure of exploring the brand new electric Escalade IQ by platinum sponsor Cadillac as they made their way into the evening’s trademark tent produced by Todd Events. The 7,000 square foot tent with a central height of 48 feet was a silver and white paradise in homage to TWO x TWO’s silver anniversary. Echoing the magnificence of a mirrored ball, guests were fully immersed in an otherworldly experience, with the exterior of the tent showcasing a Georges and Stage2Lighting video mapping projection.
A sparkling parade of “Cindy’s Margaritas,” the host’s choice cocktail, were served, embellished with the vivacious flavors of Casa Dragones Blanco tequila. The Tequila Casa Dragones bar proved to be a spirited destination, paving the way for the red lounge where La Grande Dame champagne and Belvedere cocktails got the evening off to a delectable start.
Alan Cumming, the world renowned Emmy, Tony, BAFTA, and Olivier Award-winning luminary performed a monologue song to the delight of attendees, while a vibrant multi-course dinner created by Chef Juan Garrido of Art2Catering was generously served.
Debuting the The Rachofsky Contemporary Art Fellowship and the Cindy and Howard Rachofsky Award for Artistic Excellence
Nicolas Party, photo by Kevin Tachman.
“The Dallas Museum of Art has established a new position, the Rachofsky Contemporary Art Fellow,” announced Mellisa Ireland, Executive Director of TWO x TWO, during the gala. “By its design, The Rachofsky Contemporary Art Fellowship will carry forward the spirit and impact that Cindy and Howard have cultivated through their heroic efforts.”
“This Fellowship will ensure that the legacy of TWO x TWO remains viable in supporting Contemporary Art programming and initiatives at the Museum well into the future. The Fellowship is funded by lead gifts totaling over $1.3 million dollars and will now open to community participation for all who wish to participate by investing in the future of the DMA.”
“Tonight, we are thrilled to announce that the amfAR award given at their numerous global events will henceforth be renamed amfAR’ s Cindy and Howard Rachofsky Award for Artistic Excellence,” Ireland added. “The award will reaffirm amfAR’ s enduring partnership with the art community and symbolize the abiding gratitude, admiration, and deep affection that we all have for the Rachofskys.”
In this outstanding moment, artist Nicolas Party was ebulliently presented with amfAR’s Cindy and Howard Rachofsky Award for Artistic Excellence.
“The Rachofsky Contemporary Art Fellowship will carry forward the spirit and impact that Cindy and Howard have cultivated through their heroic efforts.” —Melissa Ireland
Chaka Khan Performs and an Energetic Auction of Works by Nicolas Party and More Unfolds
Photo by Kevin Tachman.
Following the sumptuous dinner, the one and only Chaka Khan—a 10-time Grammy Award winner and Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee—performed her beloved hit songs such as I’m Every Woman and Ain’t Nobody. An energetic auction of 92 gems and luxury experiences soon ensued. Spearheaded by Michael Macaulay, Head of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Europe, guests had the opportunity to acquire works by cutting-edge creatives like Nicolas Party, Shaqúelle Whyte, Vojtěch Kovařík, Howardena Pindell, Jonas Wood, Emmi Whitehorse, Celeste Rapone, Dana Schutz, Kylie Manning, and Ding Shilun.
Capital One’s dynamic after party within a heavenly bronze glass tent set on the lawn was an expressive realm amplified by suspended clouds and reflective design details. New York-based band Gen Heat performed Prince’s hit 1999 in celebration of the formative year of TWO x TWO, while the Capital One DFW Lounge served a delicious Pecan Butter Old Fashioned. Midnight delights from Pizzana and Gelato La Boca, not to mention Regiis Ova caviar, nourished guests for a well-deserved anniversary soiree.
Alan Cumming, Marguerite Hoffman, photo by Kevin Tachman.
