Dallas is set to kick off a transformative chapter for charitable events, as amfAR, the international AIDS research and advocacy organization, prepares to host a new annual gala on October 4.
This marks a significant shift from the well-known Two x Two gala, which ran for 25 years at the residence of prominent art collectors Howard and Cindy Rachofsky.
To bring this new vision to life, amfAR is collaborating with the Kirbys, who have opened their two-acre home outside of Dallas for the event.
The gala aims not only to raise funds but also to cultivate a fresh donor base, ensuring continued support for amfAR’s impactful mission.
Kyle Clifford, amfAR’s chief development officer and future CEO, expressed excitement about the new direction.
“We’re going to throw a good party for a good cause,” he stated, highlighting the focus on building upon the existing community support while inviting new patrons into the fold.
As part of this inaugural gala, acclaimed actress Nicole Kidman is confirmed to attend and will present the prestigious amfAR’s Award of Inspiration to Taylor Sheridan, a well-known Texan television writer and director.
Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki will present Gene and Jerry Jones with the Philanthropic Leadership Award, adding to the star-studded lineup at the event.
Joining them will be Golden Globe winner Teri Hatcher and music legend Diana Ross, who is set to perform, promising a night filled with glamour and entertainment.
Kathleen Kirby, the hostess of this year’s gala, shared her enthusiasm about hosting one of the world’s most recognized actresses.
“It’s pretty wild. I don’t think I’ve wrapped my head around yet that one of the most famous actresses in the world is coming into the house,” she remarked.
The Kirbys were approached last year to host the event, and despite not having attended the previous Two x Two, they have engaged in philanthropy and were drawn to amfAR’s mission.
Kathleen commented, “When you’re doing work for something that you truly believe in and when you’re spreading the word, it’s really easy.”
The event is being crafted by amfAR with the assistance of Todd Fiscus, the lead event planner behind many of the former Two x Two galas.
Fiscus, who operates Todd Events, has a dedicated team working on details ranging from venue logistics to menu design.
In a hint of what’s to come, he teased a “contemporary Asian aesthetic” incorporating amfAR’s signature red color, promising a visually stunning atmosphere.
The gala is designed to be an engaging experience, moving away from a conventional dinner party format to something more theatrical.
“It’s going to look wildly different from the past,” Fiscus stated, aiming to create a participatory event that captivates all attendees.
The transition from Two x Two to the standalone amfAR gala presents both exciting opportunities and challenges, particularly in maintaining the historic legacy while embracing an innovative future.
“There’s a Southern hospitality to having an event in Texas that’s different than doing a party in New York,” Fiscus noted, emphasizing the unique character of Dallas as a vibrant city.
The event arrives at a crucial time for AIDS research, especially given recent political and financial challenges.
With cuts to publicly funded medical research and setbacks to initiatives like PEPFAR under President Donald Trump, the need for private support has never been greater.
Clifford, who is an HIV-positive gay man himself, articulated the personal connection he has to the cause, acknowledging how medical advances funded by organizations like amfAR have profoundly impacted his life.
AmfAR’s new gala serves as a vital part of its fundraising strategy in the U.S., aiming to solidify and expand its support in Dallas.
“With this year, we wanted to create something different, and we want to be innovative,” Clifford added, indicating the organization’s commitment to progress.
The philanthropic spirit of Dallas has been evident in its robust support for amfAR, reflecting the evolving attitudes towards AIDS advocacy in the region.
Fiscus remarked on the cultural shift, noting, “When it started many, many years ago, I think it was a little bit harder for a Texas-based city to swallow an event or to accept an event that’s HIV- and AIDS-focused. It felt taboo a long time ago.”
However, he has observed a growing acceptance and support from the community over time.
The inaugural amfAR gala is a testament to perseverance, hope, and the powerful impact of collective action in the fight against AIDS, setting a promising precedent for years to come.
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