New York, NY (October 29, 2019) – Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research raised over $3 million, and counting, for blood cancer research at Angel Ball 2019. The annual gala, which took place at Cipriani Wall Street, honored Amy & Brian France, Co-Owner, NASCAR and founders of the Luke & Meadow Foundation along with Marc J. Leder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
The black-tie benefit hosted by Grammy-nominated songwriter Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter, is an evening to honor the memory of Gabrielle Rich Aouad and benefits Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, which funds the best and brightest early career scientists whose research focuses on finding less toxic treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other related blood cancers.
Actress, singer, and co-host of ‘GMA3: Strahan, Sara, & Keke,’ Keke Palmer emceed the evening, which featured a once in a lifetime performance by Patti LaBelle, who performed Somewhere Over the Rainbow and I Got a New Attitude; Boy George, whose renditions of New York Woman, It’s A Miracle, Move Away, Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, I’ll Tumble 4 Ya and Karma Chameleon had the crowd on their feet; and Flo Rida who closed out the night with Good Feeling, Low, Wild Ones and My House. Dancing continued well into the night with a set by DJ Ruckus.
Other guests included: Heidi Klum, Devon Windsor, Coco Rocha, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Angela Simmons, Coco Austin, Victoria Brito, Clive Davis, Dee & Tommy Hilfiger, Suleika Jaouad, Star Jones, Haley Kalil, Selenis Leyva, Flaviana Matata, Julie & Billy Macklowe, Alicia Quarles, Ali Rizzo, DJ Ruckus, Hunt Slonem, Nadine Velazquez, Jessica Wang, Andrew Warren, Ethan Zohn and more.
Harry Santa-Olalla lead the event’s highly anticipated live auction which featured exclusive opportunities and items – including LOVE LIFE, 2019 by Peter Tunney which sold for $45,000; a one-of-a-kind design of the Angel Wing Bag, created by Judith Leiber Couture in partnership with Nicky Hilton Rothschild and sold for $20,000; and a coveted Lorraine Schwartz diamond evil eye bangle which sold for $30,000.
Artist Fer Da Silva, spreading his message of the Power of Love, was on-hand showcasing his painting “Corazon de Fer Angel Ball 2019” and also creating an interactive installation for the guests to enjoy. “Corazon de Fer Angel Ball 2019” will be available through the Foundation’s online auction powered by Charitybuzz, which runs through November 6that Charitybuzz.com/gabriellesangels.
Sponsors for the event include celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, Insignia, Casa Noble and Porsche Cars North America.
Camilla Olsson, Michèle Rella, Ofira Sandberg and Lorraine Schwartz served as the Gala Chairs.
For more information about the Angel Ball and Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, visit gabriellesangels.org.
About Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research
Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research funds the best and brightest early career scientists whose research focuses on finding less toxic treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and related blood cancers. Since its inception in 1996, the Foundation has funded more than $35 million dollars in grants making it one of the largest non-governmental sources of grant support to blood cancer research in the nation. On average, ninety-two cents of every dollar raised directly funds research. For more than two decades, the Foundation has honored Gabrielle’s legacy by funding the boldest, most cutting-edge ideas in cancer research.