On Monday, September 29th, at Twenty Two in New York City, Grammy-nominated songwriter, and founder of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, Denise Rich hosted the Angel Ball Launch Party gearing up for the Foundation’s annual signature fundraiser, the Angel Ball, which will take place on Monday, October 27th Cipriani Wall Street in NYC. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the recap.
Guests including Brock Pierce, Star Jones, Simone Smith, Ramona Singer, Peter Thomas Roth, Ross Pino, Mona Scott-Young, Fer Da Silva, Liz Elting, Mayor Eric Adams and more enjoyed music by Dj Timo Weiland on the hotel’s gorgeous terrace.
The Angel Ball, now its 27th year 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).
The star-studded, black-tie fête, known for its amazing live entertainment, honors outstanding individuals who have made significant humanitarian and philanthropic contributions in support of cancer research.
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.
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.
Since 1996, Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation has funded over $45 million in research grants to the best and brightest early cancer scientists whose research focuses on finding better treatments, preventions, and cures for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and related blood cancers.
Background on Gabrielle Rich Aouad
Gabrielle Rich Aouad grew up in Switzerland where she graduated from Aiglon School. She graduated with honors from Oxford University in England, earning her B.A. in philosophy and modern languages. Fluent in five languages, Gabrielle was a champion skier, an expert in horseback riding and a skilled rock mountain climber.
In the summer of 1991, she moved to New York and joined the NYU intensive film program where she met her future husband, Philip Aouad. At the tender age of 23, she was diagnosed with advanced stage Hodgkin’s disease. Her strength and feistiness never failed through months of painful treatment.
Gabrielle Rich Aouad passed away in the fall of 1996 at the tender age of 27.
The work of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research continues in her honor and memory. Gabrielle’s strength and wisdom live on in her own words, “Love defies all pain, even death.”
