The celebrity factor skyrocketed in Dallas recently thanks to the annual Two x Two for AIDS and Art, the most star-studded charitable event on the local social circuit. After a curious and costumed first look, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky welcomed everyone back to their artsy North Dallas house for the affair and art auction of the year.
It began with a reception fueled by Dom Perignon and Belvedere, during which 500 fabulously dressed patrons, artists, gallerists, and designers nearly outshone the art hanging on the walls for the silent auction. The most memorable among them: gala chairwoman Nancy Rogers, who wore a gown designed by Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott that had all of Instagram aflutter.
What followed was a seated multicourse dinner under the 7,000-square-foot, 48-foot-tall Freedome set up on the Rachofsky House grounds. Oh, and a little performance by a handsome fellow named Robin Thicke, who had all the ladies on their feet and screaming at his.
As much fun as it is to talk about what everyone wore and who was there — Brian Bolke, Faisal Halum, China Chow, Adam Lippes, Nasiba Hartland-Mackie, Prabal Gurung, Barbara and Don Daseke, Deedie Rose, Catherine Rose, Sabine Ghanem Getty, Vika Gazinskaya, Melissa and Teddy Sears, Sam Saladino, Capera Ryan, Richard Phillips — this night had a singular purpose: to raise money for amfAR, the foundation for AIDS research, and the Dallas Museum of Art.
And raise money they did — a whopping $8.6 million, through silent and live auctions of 127 artworks, which brings the 17-year tally to more than $60 million. Of course the highlight was a piece by 2015 artist honoree Ellsworth Kelly, titled White Form, which fetched $2.3 million.
Another honoree this year was Todd Fiscus of Todd Events, who has donated $1 million of in-kind services to Two x Two over the years. He received a Midnight Timepiece from sponsor Harry Winston for his contributions in raising awareness for HIV/AIDS.
Jeremy Scott, Brian Bolke, China Chow, Faisal Halum
Blood Cancer United executive director Leah Swanson, Spirit of Tom Landry Award recipient Vivian Haddad, Lara Haddad and emcee Clarice Tinsley.Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
