New York, NY (October 28, 2025) – Last night, Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research celebrated the 27th Annual Angel Ball in New York City, hosted by co-founders, songwriter Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter. The star-studded event took place at Cipriani Wall Street and raised $3 million for cancer research.
The black-tie fête 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).
Renowned for its exceptional live entertainment, the Angel Ball honors outstanding individuals who have made significant humanitarian and philanthropic contributions to cancer research. This year, the evening recognized breast cancer survivor Tina Knowles for her dedication to philanthropy and raising awareness for cancer research; Skye & Don Rufus Hankey for their unwavering commitment to philanthropy and positive societal impact through their generous contributions; and Amy Green, CEO and Founder of The Green Vision Foundation, for her leadership in anti-poaching, ocean restoration, climate change mitigation, and rainforest preservation.
Emceed by CBS Mornings & Oprah Daily’s Gayle King, the event featured appearances by Michelle Williams, Chanel Iman, Bambi Northwood Blyth, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, and Star Jones and Jackie Siegel who hosted the evening’s paddle raise.
In a powerful moment during the evening, content creator, Caitlin Murray shared how her young son battled leukemia and is now in remission.
Guests enjoyed a special performance by Tony Award nominee Montego Glover, who performed Moon River; Paul Russell performed Say Cheese, Lil Boo Thang; Grammy Award-winning musician Ja Rule had the crowd dancing toa medley of his hits including New York, Always On Time, Livin’ It Up and I’m Real; as well as a special performance by the legendary Patti LaBelle who performed On My Own and Lady Marmalade.
The evening’s notable guests included: Mary J. Blige, Alex and Keytt Lundqvist, Amy France, Brock Pierce, Brooks Nader, Clive Davis, Cooper Helfet, Dennis Basso, DJ Cassidy, Fer Da Silva, Fernando Garcia, Gigi Paris, Grace Anne Nader, Grace Cayre, Harvey Spevak, Hunt Slonem, Jason Naylor, Keni Silva, LL Cool J, Laura Geller, Lil Kim, Mary Holland Nader, Melissa & Joe Gorga, Michele Herbert, Peter Thomas Roth, Ross Pino, Sarah Jane Nader, Stephano Tonchi, Ty Hunter, Ubah Hassan and more.
The evening was sponsored by Lorraine Schwartz; Valmont; Armand de Brignac Champagne; Naviva®, Rumor Rose and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Dinner Chairs of the Gala included Simone I. Smith, Lorraine Schwartz, and Ofira Sandberg.
Honorary Chairs of the Gala included Elizabeth Elting and Warren Lichtenstein.
Co-Chairs included Alana Kramer, Alex Pita, Alisa Roever, Ayaan Ahmed, Bianca Peters, Camilla Olsson, Christina Lo, Danielle Merollo, Eugenia Bullock, Evelyn Cueva, Hugh Barton, Janna Bullock, Lauren Summa, Lauren Wesley Wilson, Lizzie Asher, Morgan Shara, Nicoletta Kolpakov, Nicole Salmasi Norah Lawlor, Rebecca Morris, Ty Hunter and Yelena Feuerman.
The Angel Ball featured a live auction, hosted for the third year in a row by auctioneer Jamie McDonald. Guests had the opportunity to bid on items such as stunning jewelry from celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz; an all inclusive total island buyout for up to 30 people at the luxurious Four Seasons Naviva in Punta Mita, Mexico; a week stay at the world renowned wellness clinic in Montreux, Switzerland, Clinique La Prairie and a one-of-a-kind piece by American-born visual artist and innovator Paul Rousso.
Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation is hosting an online auction which will close on Wednesday, October 29th at charitybuzz.com/gabrielles which features unique experiences such as exclusive access to the GBK Brand Bar’s Pre-Academy Awards luxury Lounge; a VIP experience with Balmain during Paris Fashion Week; a photo shoot with acclaimed photographer Fadil Berisha and trips to the fabulous Albany, Bahamas, Round Hill Resort and Isle Blue to name a few!
Dozens of generous and talented artists also lent their support to The Angel Ball by donating works for the Gala’s Art Auction. Guests can bid online at https://onecau.se/angelball through October 29th on original works from Bradley Theodore, Mr. Brainwash, Hunt Slonem, Fer Da Silva, Noah Becker, Norman Reedus, KACE (Naeem Khan x Stanley Casselman) and Nick Moss, among others. Attendees also previewed footwear and accessories designed by Daniella Rich Kilstock at the exclusive @1ofone.official onsite pop up.
The guests received a gift bag which included products from: Peter Thomas Roth, Grande Cosmetics, Valmont, Cecred, Beyoncé Perfume, Laura Geller, twice, SIS Luxe Lacquer, Le Metier de Beaute, MAC, Summer Fridays, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Touchland and more.