The 2019 Angel Ball proved to be another massive success. Hosted at Cipriani Wall Street, celebrities came out in full force in order to support Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation, started by Grammy-nominated songwriter Denise Rich to honor her late daughter.
The annual gala raised $3 million to support blood cancer research and has donated over $35 million to the cause since the foundation’s inception. Grammy-nominated songwriter Denise Rich hosted the benefit, along with her daughters, Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter.
When speaking with The Knockturnal, Denise shared her thoughts on how the foundation has grown over the past 20 years.
“It’s so amazing because I never imagined this. I was just thinking that I wanted to honor my daughter’s wish. Gabriella had asked me, if you start a foundation it has to be about research.”
Some of the most notable attendees from the star-studded event included supermodels Heidi Klum and Coco Rocha, socialite Nicky Hilton Rothschild, designer Tommy Hilfiger and Orange is the New Black star Selenis Levya.
Recording artists Patti LaBelle, Boy George and Flo Rida delighted audiences to stellar performances of their biggest hits, and actress Keke Palmer served as emcee for the evening.
Hilfiger told Knockturnal how his close friendship with Denise prompted his appearance for such a noble cause. “I know she raises the money for a very good cause and I think it’s authentic and she’s so passionate, that I’m happy to be here.”
Many of the night’s attendees felt a personal connection to the Ball. Model Coco Rocha shared her own touching story of how cancer affected her family. “Personally I had an aunt who had breast cancer when I was a child. We can all probably think of a friend or family member who has been affected by cancer. The fact that they’ve raised 30 million dollars to find a cure, why wouldn’t we be here?”
The event honored Amy and Brian France, Co-Owner, NASCAR and founders of the Luke & Meadow Foundation as well as Marc J. Leder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
The gala was sponsored by Lorraine Schwartz, Insignia, Casa Noble and Porsche Cars North America.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 28: Keke Palmer and Angela Simmons attend the Angel Ball 2019 hosted by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation at Cipriani Wall Street on October 28, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 28: Denise Rich and Boy George attend the Angel Ball 2019 hosted by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation at Cipriani Wall Street on October 28, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 28: Heidi Klum arrives at the Angel Ball 2019 hosted by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation at Cipriani Wall Street on October 28, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation)
