The beating hearts of good people giving back played in a harmonious tone at the grand 28th Annual Angel Ball.
Hundreds gathered at Cipriani Wall Street to support the incredible efforts of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research as $3 million was raised for ongoing cancer research. .
Hosted by co-founders, songwriter Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter. The star-studded black-tie gala every year beautifully honors the memory of Denise’s daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who passed away from acute myelogenous leukemia at the tender age 27.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Lynda Carter and Fer DaSilva attend as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation hosts Angel Ball 2026 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
Honorees at the beloved bash represented distinguished individuals who passionately care about making the world a better palace and included singer, actress, and philanthropist Lynda Carter, recognized for her passionate advocacy and commitment to advancing blood cancer research awareness; visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist Nicola Verses, commended for her steadfast charitable efforts and lasting community impact; and legendary six-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum recording icon Dionne Warwick.
“If you laser focus on what you want from the scientific communities, institutions and everything else and you laser focus, you too can solve whatever problems you need to,” reflected Carter as she accepted the award that recognized her persistence to find cures and push for more medical discoveries.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Nicola Verses, Denise Rich, Kathy Hilton, Alec Baldwin, Hilaria Baldwin, Tara Rudes Dann and Steven Dann attend as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation hosts Angel Ball 2026 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
Inspiring and full of heartfelt emotions, the evening commenced with those in the room showering praise on the trailblazing efforts of honorees who simply will not stop fighting to end the disease that as auctioneer Star Jones pointed out affects “every person” in the room.
Notable on the stage were the moving speeches as much as the presence of a handful of talented individuals who came out to share their art with an audience who loves to dance as much as they care to embrace the changemakers of the planet.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: Joe Gorga (2nd R) and Tiki Barber (R) attend as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation hosts Angel Ball 2026 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
Grammy and Tony Award-nominated artist Deborah Cox served as emcee for the evening and took the stage for an unforgettable performance of Whitney Houston’s The Greatest Love Of All. Then Kathy Hilton and Dr. Stephen D. Nimer made special appearances, while Jones guided the crowd through the night’s paddle raise that raised over $340,000. Donors who gave $1,000 or more received beautiful Corazon de Fer canvases and anyone who donated $10,000 or more received original heart sculptures from talented artist Fer Da Silva.
Kelly Leach, a New York City-based mom, spoke about her journey of grief, resilience, and hope. Her late husband, Todd Day, tragically passed away in October 2024 from complications related to treatment for secondary lymphoma—a disease diagnosed seven years following his initial battle with stage III diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
“I think just being able to raise money to fund new research that might not have seen the light of day if it hadn’t been for Gabrielle’s Angels is important enough of a reason to be here,” Leach told The Knockturnal on the red carpet.
The Angel Ball additionally featured a live auction, hosted by auctioneer, Seth Herzog, Resident Comedian & Sketch Performer, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Guests had the opportunity to bid on items such as a transformative journey through some of Peru’s most extraordinary destinations from Belmond, the pioneer of exceptional luxury; stunning jewelry from celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz; and an all-inclusive stay for 4 people in two private bungalows at the Award Winning Four Seasons Naviva in Mexico and 7 days at the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic, Italy.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: Shaggy performs onstage as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation hosts Angel Ball 2026 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
And in the fashion that the gala is known for, the evening hosted a bevy of music stars who took the spotlight in a glorious fashion. The celebration featured dynamic performances by hitmaker Taylor Dayne and multi-Grammy-winning reggae icon Shaggy. Attendees hit the dance floor to sets by DJ M.O.S. & DJ Kiss.
The evening’s notable guests included: Alec & Hilaria Baldwin, Alex Lundqvist, Bianca Peters, Carol Alt, Charlie Walk, Cooper Helfet, Daisy Toye, David & Tara Dollinger, Eric Goldie, Erika Hammond, Erin Lichy, Fer Da Silva, Gigi Paris, Harvey Spevak, Isaac Boots, Kathy Hilton, Laura Geller, Melissa & Joe Gorga, Mike Masco, Nick Barrotta, Lorraine Schwartz, Ofira Sandberg, Peter Thomas Roth, Ross Pino, Sandra Lee, Simone I. Smith, Steve Gold, Tiki Barber, and many more.
Sponsors were Lorraine Schwartz; L’AGENCE; Valmont and The Four Seasons Naviva with beverage sponsors including Armand de Brignac, Hunky Dory by Kathy Hilton, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, LALO Tequila and Rumor Rose. Haute Living was the media partner and Windsor Limo provided celebrity transportation.
Kathy Hilton served as Dinner Chair; Elizabeth Elting served as Honorary Chair; and Skye Hankey, Tina Knowles, Ofira Sandberg, Lorraine Schwartz, and Simone I. Smith served as Gala Chairs.
Co-Chairs included Ayaan Ahmed, Hugh Barton, Tom Ierna, Alana Kramer, Yelena Feuerman, Nicoletta Kolpakov, Norah Lawlor, Becca Morris, Danielle Merollo, Camilla Olsson, Alex Pita, Michele Rella, Mia Rowe, Tara Rudes Dann, Shelli Stelmak, Leelila Strogov, Lauren Summa, Charlie & Lauran Walk, and Lauren Wesley Wilson.
The Art Committee included Fer Da Silva, Christina Lo, Jason Naylor, Lara Pan and Ross Pino.
Guests brought home luxury gift bags provided by Fabletics filled with items from: Grande Cosmetics, Peter Thomas Roth, Le Metier de Beaute, Valmont, Laura Geller, Bliss, Camille Rose, Dr. Lara Devgan, Dente Blanche Dental, Furtuna Skin, Joyce Giraud Beauty, Navi Mocktails, SkinFood, Satya, Rowe Plastic Surgery and Let’s Sprinkle by MG.
Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation will continue to host an online auction at charitybuzz.com/gabrielles open to the public through October 22nd. The auction highlights exclusive experiences, such as dining at a table for four at Rao’s, concert tickets paired with a meet-and-greet with renowned rock singer-songwriter Bryan Adams, and luxury villa retreats at the Albany Resort in the Bahamas, The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, and the Round Hill Hotel in Jamaica, among other unique offerings.
Additionally, dozens of talented and generous artists contributed to the Angel Ball Art Auction. Guests can place bids online at https://onecau.se/angelballartandraffle up until October 22nd or in person for original creations by artists including Mr. Brainwash, Fernanda Laverera, Bradley Theodore, Halim Flowers, and Jill Cunniff.
