A night of thrilling music and fashion became the epicenter for positive change during the luminous 17th annual DKMS Gala.
The night radiated with passion and purpose as $4.5 million was raised to benefit the most significant non-profit organization in the world to fight blood cancer.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Stefano Curti attends the 17th Annual DKMS Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for DKMS Gala)
Grammy and Tony Award-winning multi-hyphenate performer, Billy Porter, elevated the crowd to soaring heights along with actor and comedian Mario Cantone who took the stage along with The New York City Gospel Choir.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: Billy Porter performs onstage during the 17th Annual DKMS Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for DKMS Gala)
A bevy of stars gathered at the legendary Cirpriani Wall Street with the likes of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, fashion designers Vera Wang and Marc Jacobs, as well as supermodels Niki Taylor and Coco Rocha. Inspiring on-stage remarks from Katharina Harf, Global Chairman DKMS, Peter Harf, Founder DKMS, and Coty CEO, Sue Nabi, who was honored for advocacy work.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Miley Attocknie, Katharina Harf, and Kayla West are seen onstage during attends the 17th Annual DKMS Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for DKMS Gala)
“This memorable event reflected a deep level of support and confidence in our mission,” Harf remarked. “My big dream is that every patient will be saved from blood cancer and other blood disorders. We’re grateful to those who make it possible for our work to continue to grow.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Elke Neujahr, Peter Harf, Sue Nabi and Katharina Harf attend the 17th Annual DKMS Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for DKMS Gala)
Gala guests also witnessed a moment of gratitude when a 14-year-old blood cancer survivor from Oklahoma, Miley, was introduced to her lifesaving stem cell donor, Kayla from Texas. Miley was diagnosed with leukemia in February of 2020. At yesterday’s DKMS New York Gala, Miley finally had the opportunity to thank her genetic twin in person with a hug.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: Coco Rocha attends the 17th Annual DKMS Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for DKMS Gala)
The 17th annual event brought together over 700 key supporters, who continue to help raise awareness and crucial funds for blood cancer patients in need of a stem cell transplant.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: Mario Cantone attends the 17th Annual DKMS Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for DKMS Gala)
All funds raised go to saving patients worldwide by recruiting more donors, conducting medical research, and giving access to treatment for patients in developing countries and regions, including India and Africa.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: The New York City Gospel Choir performs onstage during the 17th Annual DKMS Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on October 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for DKMS Gala)
DKMS has registered more than 12 million stem cell donors worldwide. Over 110,000 of those have provided a blood cancer or blood disorder patient with a second chance at life. Gala leadership included Event Chairs Olivier Goudet, JAB Managing Partner & CEO, and Valérie Goudet; Honorary Chairs Peter Harf, Viktoria von Wulffen, and Katharina Harf; Benefit Committee members Anne & Tony Goldring, Coco Rocha & James Conran, Vera Wang, Vanessa von Bismark & Maximilian Weiner.
