On October 19th, Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research celebrated the 28th Annual Angel Ball in New York City, hosted by co-founders, songwriter Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the recap.
The star-studded event took place at Cipriani Wall Street and raised $3 million for cancer research.
An annual highlight of the social calendar, this star-studded, black-tie gala honors the memory of Denise’s daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who passed away from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) at age 27. Renowned for its world-class live performances and prominent guest list, the event pays tribute to exemplary leaders who demonstrate extraordinary humanitarian and philanthropic support for cancer research.
This year’s honorees included distinguished singer, actress, and philanthropist Lynda Carter, recognized for her passionate advocacy and commitment to advancing blood cancer research awareness; visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist Nicola Verses, commended for her steadfast charitable efforts and lasting community impact; and legendary six-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum recording icon Dionne Warwick.
Grammy and Tony Award-nominated artist Deborah Cox served as emcee for the evening and took the stage for an unforgettable performance of Whitney Houston’s The Greatest Love Of All. The celebration featured dynamic performances by hitmaker Taylor Dayne and multi-Grammy-winning reggae icon Shaggy.
Attendees hit the dance floor to sets by DJ M.O.S. & DJ Kiss. Additionally, Kathy Hilton and Dr. Stephen D. Nimer made special appearances, while Star Jones guided the crowd through the night’s paddle raise that raised over $340,000. Donors who gave $1,000 or more received beautiful Corazon de Fer canvases and anyone who donated $10,000 or more received original heart sculptures from talented artist Fer Da Silva.
Guests brought home luxury gift bags provided by Fabletics filled with items from: Grande Cosmetics, Peter Thomas Roth, Le Metier de Beaute, Valmont, Laura Geller, Bliss, Camille Rose, Dr. Lara Devgan, Dente Blanche Dental, Furtuna Skin, Joyce Giraud Beauty, Navi Mocktails, SkinFood, Satya, Rowe Plastic Surgery and Let’s Sprinkle by MG.
In one of the evening’s most moving moments, Kelly Leach, a New York City-based mom, spoke about her journey of grief, resilience, and hope. Her late husband, Todd Day, tragically passed away in October 2024 from complications related to treatment for secondary lymphoma—a disease diagnosed seven years following his initial battle with stage III diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. When Todd received his second diagnosis, the couple was actively pursuing fertility treatments. Following his passing, Kelly chose to honor their vision for their family, giving birth to their miracle daughter, Chloé, nearly one year later. Today, Kelly is dedicated to advocating for safer, less toxic cancer therapies, sharing Todd’s story to help guide and support future patients and their loved ones.
The evening’s notable guests included: Alec & Hilaria Baldwin, Alex Lundqvist, Bianca Peters, Carol Alt, Charlie Walk, Cooper Helfet, Daisy Toye, David & Tara Dollinger, Eric Goldie, Erika Hammond, Erin Lichy, Fer Da Silva, Gigi Paris, Harvey Spevak, Isaac Boots, Kathy Hilton, Laura Geller, Melissa & Joe Gorga, Mike Masco, Nick Barrotta, Lorraine Schwartz, Ofira Sandberg, Peter Thomas Roth, Ross Pino, Sandra Lee, Simone I. Smith, Steve Gold, Tiki Barber, and many more.
The evening was sponsored by Lorraine Schwartz; L’AGENCE; Valmont and The Four Seasons Naviva with beverage sponsors including Armand de Brignac, Hunky Dory by Kathy Hilton, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, LALO Tequila and Rumor Rose. Haute Living was the media partner and Windsor Limo provided celebrity transportation.
Kathy Hilton served as Dinner Chair; Elizabeth Elting served as Honorary Chair; and Skye Hankey, Tina Knowles, Ofira Sandberg, Lorraine Schwartz, and Simone I. Smith served as Gala Chairs.
Co-Chairs included Ayaan Ahmed, Hugh Barton, Tom Ierna, Alana Kramer, Yelena Feuerman, Nicoletta Kolpakov, Norah Lawlor, Becca Morris, Danielle Merollo, Camilla Olsson, Alex Pita, Michele Rella, Mia Rowe, Tara Rudes Dann, Shelli Stelmak, Leelila Strogov, Lauren Summa, Charlie & Lauran Walk, and Lauren Wesley Wilson.
The Art Committee included Fer Da Silva, Christina Lo, Jason Naylor, Lara Pan and Ross Pino.
The Angel Ball featured a live auction, hosted by auctioneer, Seth Herzog, Resident Comedian & Sketch Performer, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Guests had the opportunity to bid on items such as a transformative journey through some of Peru’s most extraordinary destinations from Belmond, the pioneer of exceptional luxury; stunning jewelry from celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz; and an all-inclusive stay for 4 people in two private bungalows at the Award Winning Four Seasons Naviva in Mexico and 7 days at the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic, Italy.
Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation will continue to host an online auction at this website open to the public through October 22nd. The auction highlights exclusive experiences, such as dining at a table for four at Rao’s, concert tickets paired with a meet-and-greet with renowned rock singer-songwriter Bryan Adams, and luxury villa retreats at the Albany Resort in the Bahamas, The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, and the Round Hill Hotel in Jamaica, among other unique offerings.
Additionally, dozens of talented and generous artists contributed to the Angel Ball Art Auction. Guests can place bids online at this website up until October 22nd or in person for original creations by artists including Mr. Brainwash, Fernanda Laverera, Bradley Theodore, Halim Flowers, and Jill Cunniff.
