Overview amfAR Dallas is a black-tie benefit for AIDS research held at the Dallas home of Kathleen and Scott Kirby, and the first edition, in October 2025, closed on a Diana Ross set and raised $3.1 million. The evening runs as cocktails, a black-tie dinner, music and a live auction of luxury goods, experiences and contemporary art. On amfAR's 2026 gala calendar it was the only United States date, alongside Cannes, Venice and London. amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, was founded in 1985 and has raised more than $950 million and awarded more than 3,900 grants to scientists. On site Guests arrive on a red carpet, then take cocktails on the estate grounds before moving into a tent raised on the Kirby grounds for the multi-course dinner, the awards and the auction. Michael McCauley of Sotheby's called the 2025 live auction, which included two lots from Taylor Sheridan offering set visits, walk-on roles and cast meet-and-greets on one of his shows. Talent and Influencers Teri Hatcher hosted the 2025 gala. Nicole Kidman presented Taylor Sheridan with amfAR's Award of Inspiration, Dirk Nowitzki presented the Philanthropic Leadership Award to the Gene and Jerry Jones family, and Parson James opened for Diana Ross. The chairs included Porschla and Jason Kidd, Andy Beal and Olya Sinitsyna, Kevin McClatchy, T. Ryan Greenawalt and Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, with Sasha C. Bass as founding chair. amfAR named Charlize Theron as the 2026 recipient of the Award of Inspiration. Track record The gala carries a long Dallas record with it. Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, amfAR trustees, lead it, and they founded TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art, the separate Dallas benefit that had raised more than $65 million for amfAR over 25-plus years by 2025. amfAR puts the Dallas community's total for its research at more than $66.5 million over 26 years. Brand presence REZA was the signature sponsor of the 2025 gala. Flecha Azul, Nolet Spirits, Skywalker Vineyards, Veuve Clicquot and PaperCity came in as supporting sponsors, and Chanel and United Airlines sat on the vice-chair list. Sponsorship runs from benefactor tables up through dinner, art, signature and presenting positions.