Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation’s co-founders Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter brought the legendary Angel Ball out east last night. Southampton’s landmark venue The Muses was transformed for one of the most captivating events of this summer.
“Tonight means everything because it’s 25 years since we began and my daughter would be alive today with all the new innovations and all the things that have happened in research,” Rich told Knockturnal on the red carpet. “My daughter’s dying wish was that we would fund research and do this foundation. Gabrielle’s Angels Foundation is dedicated to cancer research. That’s what my daughter wanted. I’m so proud that over 25 years we’ve given away 92 cents of every dollar raised that goes directly to research. And we’re one of the largest sources of non-governmental funding for blood cancer research. So, it’s very exciting this event, being able to do it with COVID going on. Cancer doesn’t stop because of COVID.”
Honorees at the summer gala were Designer & Co-Founder Simone I. Smith jewelry Simone I. Smith and legendary model Maye Musk. The night began with a lively circus-themed cocktail hour where guests listened to the tunes of DJ Mad Marj as they sipped Belvedere Organic Infused beverages with Belvedere Pear & Ginger Soda.
SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK – AUGUST 20: A view of Belvedere Vodka available to guests during the Angel Ball Summer Gala Honoring Simone I. Smith & Maye Musk hosted by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation on August 20, 2021 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
Inside the red and white big top tent, a festive soirée held nearly 400 guests who gathered to honor the memory of Gabrielle Rich Aouad and benefit Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. The work of the foundation funds the best and brightest early career scientists whose research focuses on finding fewer toxic treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other related blood cancers. Over the years over $38 million has been raised thus far for research.
SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK – AUGUST 20: Denise Rich, Italia Smith Cardinez, LL Cool J, Simone I. Smith, Nina Symone Smith, and Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith attend the Angel Ball Summer Gala Honoring Simone I. Smith & Maye Musk hosted by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation on August 20, 2021 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
During acceptance speeches, Smith was moved to tears as she spoke to the audience about her own courageous road to recovery as a cancer survivor. She was inspired to help others with their own journey. Musk, who said on the red carpet was thrilled to be honored by the foundation, graciously accepted her award presented by Rich.
Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation announced at the event the funding of seven new research scientists, two of which are being funded in partnership with The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, and one which that has been funded in partnership with The Paulson Family Foundation.
Other notable guest speakers and guests included LL Cool J, Stalking Gia, Brock Pierce, Cuba Gooding Jr., Russell Simmons, Dottie Herman, Simon Huck, Jean Shafiroff, Lorraine Schwartz, Isaac Boots, Maribel Lieberman, Nancy Davis, Blosette Kitson, Lizzie da Trindade-Asher, Ethan D’spain, John Catsimatidis, and Star Jones.
Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch and Mary J. Blige served as Simone I. Smith’s Dinner Chairs, and the event’s Honorary Chair was the Brock Pierce Foundation. Jill Martin, host of Shop TODAY with Jill emceed the event were guests had to show proof of full vaccination for entry.
After a lovely dinner provided by Calissa and a wild auction that raised thousands of dollars, legendary singing sensation Flo Rida, DJ Mad Marj, and DJ Kyle Kxtz took the stage.
SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK – AUGUST 20: Flo Rida performs during the Angel Ball Summer Gala Honoring Simone I. Smith & Maye Musk hosted by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation on August 20, 2021 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
Ecstatic energy flowed throughout the room as the captivating performance got the crowd up on their feet to dance under the stars. DJ Cassidy closed out the night with a thrilling mix of modern hits and classics.
SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK – AUGUST 20: DJ Cassidy performs during the Angel Ball Summer Gala Honoring Simone I. Smith & Maye Musk hosted by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation on August 20, 2021 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
Porsche, Flow Water, and Nourishe were the presenting sponsors of the evening. Additional backers included Apollo Digital Art, Belvedere Vodka, Douglas Ellman Real Estate, Haute Living, Hampton Water Rosé, and Lorraine Schwartz.
For more information about Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, please visit gabriellesangels.org.
