Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research is once again set to hold the beloved Angel Ball on Oct. 27.
Hosted by songwriter Denise Rich and her co-founder daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter, the event will take place at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
Before the big night, guests gathered at The Twenty Two for a glamorous affair and sweet tunes by DJ Timo Weiland. Many notables were there, from Mayor Eric Adams to Star Jones, to honor the upcoming fundraiser.
(Helen Kirsh)
Now in its 27th year, the black-tie fête is annually held in memory of Denise’s daughter Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who passed away at the age of 27 from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). This year, the Angel Ball will honor breast cancer survivor Tina Knowles, for her devotion to philanthropy and dedication to raising awareness for cancer research; Skye & Don Rufus Hankey who will be recognized for their unwavering dedication to philanthropy and their positive impact on society through their generous contributions; and Amy Green, CEO and Founder of The Green Vision Foundation, for serving as a leading force in anti-poaching, ocean restoration, climate change mitigation, and rainforest preservation.
(Helen Kirsh)
CBS Mornings & Oprah Daily’s Gayle King will emcee the event, which will feature exciting performances by Paul Russell and Grammy Award-winning musician Ja Rule, along with special appearances by Michelle Williams, Star Jones, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, and more.
(Helen Kirsh)
“It is truly remarkable to think this will be our 27th Angel Ball Gala. Raising money for cancer research is more important than ever, and we are thrilled to celebrate three outstanding honorees who continue to champion our cause,” said Denise Rich.
We spoke to Green about the upcoming event.
(Courtesy Angel Ball)
Tell us how it feels to be a part of the legendary Angel Ball and to be honored for your advocacy in the community. – Being part of the legendary Angel Ball is an incredible honor and a deeply humbling experience. Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation has created such a powerful legacy of hope, healing, and community, and to be recognized within that tradition means so much to me. Through The Green Vision Foundation (https://thegreenvision.org/ ), I’ve seen how advocacy can bring people together to protect our planet and uplift communities, and this recognition reinforces the importance of that mission. I am truly grateful to stand alongside other inspiring leaders and to celebrate the impact we can achieve together.
Describe in your own words why the work of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation is important. What are the most significant things you feel the foundation accomplishes every year? – What I love about Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation is that they are providing seed funding to early-career scientists who need the initial investment to prove their bold, out-of-the-box ideas before going on to get further funding from bigger sources. This approach is so unique in the cancer research space and has proven to be so impactful. Each year, the Foundation funds 7-10 research grants to the best-of-the-best scientists, and over 80% go on to receive additional funding from the NIH or other larger organizations, which proves that Gabrielle’s Angels is investing in the right projects to accelerate cures for blood cancers! I am thrilled to help raise awareness and funding for this important work.
What are the top two or three things about the foundation that you feel really are the touchstone to making a difference? – This foundation has a track record of funding leaders in cancer research. Their Medical Advisory Board selects only the best and very brightest early-career scientists for funding who are already on an incredible path to success. I also find it very meaningful that the foundation supports both conventional and integrative medicine. As someone who cares deeply about the environment, I appreciate their commitment to funding research that reduces the toxicity of cancer treatments, as well as studies exploring the healing power of music and food. I believe everything on Earth is interconnected, and I see many synergies between my work in environmental advocacy and Gabrielle’s Angels’ dedication to a whole-body approach to cancer research and treatment.
The evening will be sponsored by Lorraine Schwartz, Valmont, Armand De Brignac Champagne, Naviva®, Rumor Rose, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.