Soaring to dazzling heights, the beloved annual Angel Ball once again raised millions of dollars for crucial cancer research during gala season in New York City. On Oct. 28 over 600 guests came together at Cipriani Wall Street to help raise $3 million during a captivating event that touched the hearts of each attendee in the most prolific way.
Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research for a 26th year brought joy and hope to those who need it most with the night hosted by co-founders, songwriter Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter.
The phenomenal black-tie fête was emceed by two-time Emmy winner Tamron Hall along with a surprise turn on the stage by Emily in Paris star Lucien Laviscount who honored Grace Cayre, a children’s book author and devoted mother of three with a passion for philanthropy. For over two decades, Grace has selflessly volunteered her time at cancer centers, hospitals, and pediatric wards, inspired by her personal experiences with loved ones affected by cancer. Cancer survivor Jace Yawnick additionally shared his story and spoke about the importance of life-saving research.
Speeches were made after a candle lighting ceremony to pay tribute to loved ones we have lost to the dreadful disease. But the moment turned to inspiration when the remarkable notes were made to the audience who learned that because of such fundraising by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation over $45 million has been taken in to be a part of over 18 million lives saved across the country. Being a part of the changemakers of medical history, the group at the smashing soiree celebrated trailblazing in the field to help make the world a better place for tomorrow.
The night sizzled even more as breathtaking performances took the stage after an incredible live auction. Jamie McDonald featured several exceptional luxury vacations such as a takeover of Naviva®, A Four Seasons Resort, located on the pacific coast of Mexico, offering exclusive use of the intimate resort for up to 30 guests for three days, a 7-day stay at SHA Mexico with a tailored life-changing longevity journey, featuring personalized treatments and diagnostic services designed to enhance your health, as well an unforgettable stay at one of LVH’s ultra-elite private homes, the fabulous Villa Oceane in Old Fort Bay Bahamas.
The auction also featured a stunning piece from celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz. In one of the most anticipated moments of the night, Angel Ball guests had the rare and exclusive opportunity to bid on a limited edition sculpture by international artist Enrique Cabrera, entitled “The Golden Apple” – the first of its kind to ever be auctioned off, which sold for $300,000. Cabrera’s recent work.
The Gala also presented a dedicated art auction with works of art by artists in attendance including Enrique Cabrera, Enoc Perez, Fer Da Silva, Jason Naylor, Nick Moss, and Ross Pino. These pieces and more will be featured in an online auction with an additional silent auction hosted by Charitybuzz through November 5th.
The evening was presented by Mielle Organics and Lorraine Schwartz, with additional sponsors including Dennis & Co., Valmont, Naviva®, The Macallan, Windsor International Limo, Inc., and the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, with event styling and decor by CAMILLA. Food and Beverage sponsors include Whispering Angel, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and IKRAA Caviar.
Worthy of the moment, was the music that pulsed throughout the evening. Guests enjoyed a special performance by Tony Award-winning actress Adrienne Warren, who performed Impossible Dream as well as a custom duet with up and coming rapper, Luke K. Later in the evening, they danced the night away to DJ MAD MARJ and Busta Rhymes who performed his hits Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See, Don’t Cha, Break Ya Neck, Know What You Want, and All I Do Is Win.
It was incredible to see a room filled with such bliss as they danced the night away. Guests who came to the phenomenal event included such notables as Clive Davis,
Ubah Hassan, Adrienne Warren, Angela Simmons, Ben Vereen, Dennis Basso, Ellen von Unwerth, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Erin Lichy & Abe Lichy, Jessica Cruel, Joy Corrigan, Kela Walker, Keni Silva, Luke K., Luann de Lesseps, Margaret Josephs, Jean Shafiroff, Melissa Boloña, Silvia Freiser, Carly Bigi, Racquel Chevremont, Keiko Aoki, Shabnam & Shaghayegh Safazadeh, Dr. Norman Rowe, Yogmata, Simon Huck, Ramona Singer, Thomas Pierce, DJ Timo Weiland and many others.
Honorary Chairs of the Gala include Amy & Brian France, Marc J. Leder, and Monique Rodriguez. Co-Chairs include Alana Kramer, Alex Pita, Alisa Roever, Amanda Ruisi, Andrea DiNunzio, Ayaan Ahmed, Becca Morris, Brendan Brown, Camilla Olsson, Donna Poyiadjis, Eugenia Bullock, Evelyn Cueva, Gali Silvester, Hugh Barton, Janna Bullock, Lauren Wesley Wilson, Leelia Strogov, Louise Kornfeld, Michele Rella, Nicoletta Kolpakov, Nicole Salmasi, Norah Lawlor, Shelli Stelmak, Thomas Pierce, and Yelena Feureman.
Here is to the changemakers of the world and check out the amazing photos from Angel Ball.
Photos courtesy: Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation