Todd Fiscus transformed the house and grounds for the occasion.
As in years before, Fiscus erected a 7,000-square-foot geodesic tent to serve as a dining and ballroom.
Cameras flashed as guests posed the silver step-and-repeat.
Bruno
Admirers gathered in front ofStudio Still Lifeby Jonas Wood, whose work is currently exhibited at Gagosian, London.
At each place setting sat a box of tissues, a hint of the tearful evening ahead.
Alan Cumming (who else?)
reigned as the programs Master of Ceremonies.
Chef Juan Garrido prepared a multi-course feast that combined luxury (caviar!)
with southern comfort food (fried chicken!).
Tuxedoed waiters carried bottles of 00 Chardonnay and the Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon.
After dinner, Chaka Khan and her three backup singers took to the stage.
As the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee performed her greatest hits, revelers danced and cheered.
Khan boasted with the energy and appearance of a performer half her age.
Triumphant anthems like Im Every Woman and Aint Nobody echoed the crowds exhilaration and determination.
Cindy and Howard Rachofsky took to the stage.
For the third time, the entire room stood to applaud the host and hostess.
I want to thank you without crying, Cindy said, her voice cracking.
Ive used all my hankies.
I hope you all have to.
It goes without saying this has been a labor of love for all of our married life.
Around the room, guests wiped their eyes and embraced.
The night was not yet over.
There, music by Prince pounded in homage to 1999, Two x Twos inaugural year.
Howard Rachofsky and Cindy Rachofsky
Fernando Garcia, Laura Kim, and Marc Metrick
