Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research hit all the high notes at the 27th Annual Angel Ball in New York City.
Hosted by co-founders, songwriter Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter, the dazzling Cipriani Wall Street gala ignited a passion for a cause deeply meaningful to many.
Raising $3 million for cancer research, the black-tie fête made an impressive impact. Annually held in memory of Denise’s daughter Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who succumbed to acute myelogenous leukemia, hundreds of guests gathered for the night.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Ilona Rich Schachter, Denise Rich, Daniella Rich Kilstock, and Talia Kilstock attend as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation hosts Angel Ball 2025 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 27, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
The affair began with a touching moment as candles were lit in the ballroom. Held by attendees, a feeling of love and support was like a tidal wave of emotions over the crowd. They felt the power of the organization to make a difference as they showed a deep appreciation for those who have suffered from cancer. The presence of Gabrielle’s spirit seemed to take over the room that embraced it warmly and with grace.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Tina Knowles and Michelle Williams pose by the stage as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation hosts Angel Ball 202 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 27, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
“We are here tonight to honor and to support research because research is saving lives,” Rich told Knockturnal on the carpet. “Cancer research is so important today. We’ve given away over $45 million to the scientists and researchers over the years, and there is more to come.”
The Angel Ball also honors outstanding individuals who have made significant humanitarian and philanthropic contributions to cancer research. This year, the evening recognized breast cancer survivor Tina Knowles for her dedication to philanthropy and raising awareness for cancer research; Skye & Don Rufus Hankey for their unwavering commitment to philanthropy and positive societal impact through their generous contributions; and Amy Green, CEO and Founder of The Green Vision Foundation, for her leadership in anti-poaching, ocean restoration, climate change mitigation, and rainforest preservation.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Ofira Sandberg, Chanel Iman, Lorraine Schwartz, and Bambi Northwood Blyth attend as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation Hosts Angel Ball 2025 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 27, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
“I am so honored to be standing here and accepting this important award for philanthropy,” Knowles said from the stage after accepting from Michelle Williams. The honoree got teary-eyed and expressed her immense gratitude to the foundation. She spoke on being a cancer survivor herself and as well as on the pain she feels for another friend who recently passed away from the disease. “(It is) one of my greatest gifts and joys in life. I almost feel guilty for being honored for doing something that I love so much.”
Later in the evening, another moment from the stage took over the audience’s emotions and inspired them to donate and show their support.
When content creator, Caitlin Murray, shared how her young son battled leukemia and is now in remission, there was a pure sensation to want to back her heartfelt mission and that of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.
Emceed by CBS Mornings & Oprah Daily’s Gayle King, the event featured appearances by Michelle Williams, Chanel Iman, Bambi Northwood Blyth, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, and Star Jones and Jackie Siegel, who hosted the evening’s paddle raise.
The evening’s notable guests included: Mary J. Blige, Alex and Keytt Lundqvist, Amy France, Brock Pierce, Brooks Nader, Clive Davis, Cooper Helfet, Dennis Basso, DJ Cassidy, Fer Da Silva, Fernando Garcia, Gigi Paris, Grace Anne Nader, Grace Cayre, Harvey Spevak, Hunt Slonem, Jason Naylor, Keni Silva, LL Cool J, Laura Geller, Lil Kim, Mary Holland Nader, Melissa & Joe Gorga, Michele Herbert, Peter Thomas Roth, Ross Pino, Sarah Jane Nader, Stephano Tonchi, Ty Hunter, Ubah Hassan and more.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 27: Ja Rule performs onstage as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation Hosts Angel Ball 2025 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 27, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
Guests enjoyed a special performance by Tony Award nominee Montego Glover, who performed Moon River; Paul Russell performed Say Cheese, Lil Boo Thang; Grammy Award-winning musician Ja Rule had the crowd dancing to a medley of his hits including New York, Always On Time, Livin’ It Up and I’m Real; as well as a special performance by the legendary Patti LaBelle who performed On My Own and Lady Marmalade.
The evening was sponsored by Lorraine Schwartz, Valmont, Armand de Brignac Champagne, Naviva®, Rumor Rose, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Dinner Chairs of the Gala included Simone I. Smith, Lorraine Schwartz, and Ofira Sandberg. Honorary Chairs of the Gala included Elizabeth Elting and Warren Lichtenstein.
Co-Chairs included Alana Kramer, Alex Pita, Alisa Roever, Ayaan Ahmed, Bianca Peters, Camilla Olsson, Christina Lo, Danielle Merollo, Eugenia Bullock, Evelyn Cueva, Hugh Barton, Janna Bullock, Lauren Summa, Lauren Wesley Wilson, Lizzie Asher, Morgan Shara, Nicoletta Kolpakov, Nicole Salmasi, Norah Lawlor, Rebecca Morris, Ty Hunter, and Yelena Feuerman.
The Angel Ball featured a live auction, hosted for the third year in a row by auctioneer Jamie McDonald. Guests had the opportunity to bid on items such as stunning jewelry from celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz; an all-inclusive total island buyout for up to 30 people at the luxurious Four Seasons Naviva in Punta Mita, Mexico; a week stay at the world renowned wellness clinic in Montreux, Switzerland, Clinique La Prairie and a one-of-a-kind piece by American-born visual artist and innovator Paul Rousso.
Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation is hosting an online auction which will close on Wednesday, October 29th at charitybuzz.com/gabrielles which features unique experiences such as exclusive access to the GBK Brand Bar’s Pre-Academy Awards luxury Lounge; a VIP experience with Balmain during Paris Fashion Week; a photo shoot with acclaimed photographer Fadil Berisha and trips to the fabulous Albany, Bahamas, Round Hill Resort and Isle Blue to name a few!
Dozens of generous and talented artists also lent their support to The Angel Ball by donating works for the Gala’s Art Auction. Guests can bid online at https://onecau.se/angelball through October 29th on original works from Bradley Theodore, Mr. Brainwash, Hunt Slonem, Fer Da Silva, Noah Becker, Norman Reedus, KACE (Naeem Khan x Stanley Casselman), and Nick Moss, among others. Attendees also previewed footwear and accessories designed by Daniella Rich Kilstock at the exclusive @1ofone.official onsite pop-up.
Guests received a gift bag which included products from: Peter Thomas Roth, Grande Cosmetics, Valmont, Cecred, Beyoncé Perfume, Laura Geller, twice, SIS Luxe Lacquer, Le Metier de Beaute, MAC, Summer Fridays, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Touchland, and more.
