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28 TRIBUTES, HONORS + POWERHOUSE ART By Filippo Tattoni-Marcozzi Photography Kristina Bowman, Sylvia Elzafon I n one of my all-time favorite songs, "Praying for Time," the late pop icon George Michael wrote, "Charity is a coat you wear twice a year." Those of us who knew him well, however, know that to George charity was not a coat worn sparingly — but rather, more like a second skin. A generous philanthropist in his own right, George also knew that Dallas' benevolent community always rises to the call with incredible generosity and never disappoints. This was the case, yet again, at MTV Re:Defi ne. George, who tragically left us on Christmas Eve, received fi tting tribute during Re:Defi ne, which is hosted annually by Joyce Goss and George's former longtime partner, Kenny Goss, at the Dallas Contemporary. The night opened with a video message from music and art stars including Sir Elton John, Rob Thomas, and Tracey Emin. It set the tone for a bittersweet evening that raised a staggering $2.7 million to be shared between the MTV Staying Alive Foundation (one of George's favorite charities in the fi ght against HIV and AIDS) and the Dallas Contemporary. Poignant tribute aside, this was a night for celebration. Dallas Contemporary director Peter Doroshenko presented artist Eric Fischl with a special honor for his impact on contemporary paint- ing. Introduced by Doroshenko as "the Bruce Springsteen of the art world," Fischl thanked the audience. "There is nothing more fl attering than being honored by strangers," he said — which we will all take as a compli- ment, considering many Re:Defi ne guests have works by Fischl in their private collections. DEFINED RE:DEFINE Damien Hirst's Beautiful Beautiful George Michael Love Painting, 2017 Max Trowbridge, Kenny Goss, Georgia Arnold, Joyce Goss Jan Miller Linda Gray Peter Doroshenko, Lilia Kudelia, Eric Fischl, Justine Ludwig Julie & Michael Tregoning Jessica Nowitzki Filippo Tattoni- Marcozzi Marc Quinn Jeny Bania, Marjon Henderson Bill Hutchinson (continued on page 30) Bart & Julie Shelley Taylor Tomasi Hill & Chase Hill Jason & Nancy Koen