On Saturday, October 27, the annual TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art benefit took place in Dallas, hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, event chair Tim Headington, and presenting sponsor, Cadillac. The 20th iteration of the black-tie gala saw 500 people gather at the Rachofsky House, coming together to raise a record total of $9.3 million in funds to benefit amfAR, the foundation for AIDS research, and the Dallas Museum of Art.
“The generosity and commitment of our artists, gallerists and supporters to this event is unparalleled in today’s fundraising communities,” said Howard Rachofsky. “Our donating artists and galleries around the world, our corporate sponsors, our volunteers, our dear friends and collectors from Dallas and across the nation, have together raised $84 million for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.”
The festivities took place in a 7,000 square foot geodesic dome designed by Todd Fiscus of TODD Events. Kicking off the night, guests like Tim Blum, Casey Kaplan, Hamish Bowles, and Deedie Rose enjoyed a cocktail reception with beverages supplied by Moët Hennessy USA, Tequila Casa Dragones, Belvedere, and Dom Pérignon while browsing a silent auction presented by Nieman Marcus.
During a seated dinner Alan Cumming sang a medley of cabaret songs followed by a performance of greatest hits by the legendary Diana Ross. Artist Dana Schutz was presented the 2018 Award of Excellence for Artistic Contributions to the Fight Against AIDS, followed by the announcement of a newly conceived award, the Cindy and Howard Rachofsky Visionary Fund.
Sotheby’s Europe Senior International Specialist, Contemporary Art, Olivier Barker conducted the live auction—featuring Dana Schutz’s Beat Out the Sun. The afterparty in the garden that followed was hosted by Compass, where guests partied into the early hours of the next day.