Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research marked its 28th annual Angel Ball on Monday evening at Cipriani Wall Street, raising $3 million for cancer research. The high-profile gathering honors a promise made by songwriter and foundation co-founder Denise Rich to her daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who died at age 27 following a four-year battle with acute myelogenous leukemia. Since its inception in 1996, the foundation has awarded more than $47 million in grants supporting research into cutting-edge cures and less toxic treatments for blood cancers.
This year’s gala recognized several prominent honorees, including actress, singer, and philanthropist Lynda Carter; six-time Grammy Award winner Dionne Warwick; and entrepreneur and philanthropist Nicola Verses. Tony and Grammy Award-nominated singer Deborah Cox served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, arriving in an opalescent sequined L’AGENCE gown and reflecting on the milestone celebration of philanthropy.
Against a backdrop of dreamy pink lighting, glowing white candles, and projected heart lockets, guests dined on baked tagliolini with mushrooms followed by prime roast fillet of beef, accompanied by Armand de Brignac Gold champagne and Vescovello Toscano Rosso. The evening’s co-hosts—Gabrielle’s sisters, Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter—joined their families onstage, where Kilstock delivered a personal tribute to her mother, noting that extraordinary growth can emerge from deep sadness. Rich later invited the audience to light white candles in memory of those lost to cancer and to honor those currently fighting the disease, while also offering a prayer for her friend Clive Davis, who passed away earlier in the year.
Among the attendees was Kelly Leach, who shared a poignant personal story about her late husband, Todd Day. After beating an initial lymphoma diagnosis, Day enjoyed seven years of remission during which the couple bought a home, adopted dogs, and welcomed a son named Nikolai following six rounds of IVF. Although a clinical trial eventually cleared his cancer scan, the heavy toll of the treatment ultimately proved fatal. Two weeks before the anniversary of his passing, Leach welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth Chloé, through IVF, crediting foundation-backed research with giving their family seven vital years together.
Medical progress took center stage as Dr. Stephen Nimer, chairman of the foundation’s medical advisory board, addressed the room. He recounted the journey of Emily Whitehead, one of the first people globally to receive CAR-T cell therapy for refractory leukemia, who remains in remission 15 years later. Nimer emphasized that such milestones stem from persistent scientific research, risk-taking by biotech and biotechnology companies, patient participation in clinical trials, and dedicated donor support.
Comedian Seth Herzog led a live auction featuring lots such as a Belmond trip to Peru, Lorraine Schwartz earrings, and a week-long stay at the Lucia Magnani clinic in Italy. Meanwhile, Star Jones helmed a paddle raise that brought in more than $340,000, with donors receiving heart canvases and sculptures created by Fer Da Silva. A raffle for a cheetah-print Chanel bag featured tickets priced at $250 each.
The evening concluded with live musical performances by Shaggy, Taylor Dayne, and Deborah Cox, followed by late-night DJ sets by M.O.S. and Kiss that filled the dance floor before attendees spilled out onto Wall Street.
