Inside the 27th Annual Angel Ball: A Star-Studded Night Raising $3 Million for Cancer Research

Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation

The glamour of New York City lit up last night as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research hosted its 27th Annual Angel Ball at the iconic Cipriani Wall Street, raising an extraordinary $3 million for cancer research. Founded by songwriter Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter, the black-tie gala continues to honor the memory of Gabrielle Rich Aouad, Denise’s beloved daughter who passed away at the age of 27 from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

The Angel Ball has long been one of New York’s most anticipated charity galas, blending philanthropy, entertainment, and star power for a greater cause. Each year, the event celebrates the people and organizations making remarkable contributions to the fight against cancer — and this year was no exception.

Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation

The evening paid tribute to Tina Knowles, who was recognized for her dedication to philanthropy and raising awareness for cancer research; Skye & Don Rufus Hankey, honored for their outstanding commitment to philanthropy and social impact; and Amy Green, CEO and Founder of The Green Vision Foundation, celebrated for her tireless efforts in environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and ocean restoration.

Hosted by Gayle King of CBS Mornings and Oprah Daily, the Angel Ball attracted a star-studded crowd that included Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Lil’ Kim, Michelle Williams, Chanel Iman, Star Jones, and many more. One of the evening’s most emotional highlights came when content creator Caitlin Murray shared her son’s brave journey battling leukemia — and his victory in remission — a moment that touched the entire room and underscored the foundation’s mission.

The night was filled with show-stopping performances. Tony Award nominee Montego Glover opened with a soulful rendition of Moon River. Paul Russell energized the audience with Say Cheese and Lil Boo Thang, while Grammy Award-winning artist Ja Rule turned Cipriani into a dance floor with hits like Always On Time, Livin’ It Up, and I’m Real. The legendary Patti LaBelle closed the evening with breathtaking performances of On My Own and Lady Marmalade, bringing guests to their feet.

Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation

For the third consecutive year, auctioneer Jamie McDonald led the live auction, featuring luxury experiences and one-of-a-kind treasures. Guests bid on an exclusive Four Seasons Naviva island buyout in Punta Mita, Mexico; a rejuvenating week at Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland; exquisite jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz; and a unique art piece by Paul Rousso.

An online auction at charitybuzz.com/gabrielles continues through October 29th, featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as VIP access to Balmain during Paris Fashion Week, a photo shoot with acclaimed photographer Fadil Berisha, and luxury escapes to the Bahamas, Round Hill Resort, and Isle Blue. Art enthusiasts can also explore a special Art Auction at onecau.se/angelball, featuring works from renowned artists including Mr. Brainwash, Bradley Theodore, Hunt Slonem, Fer Da Silva, and Norman Reedus.

Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation

Guests also previewed an exclusive @1ofone.official pop-up featuring bespoke footwear and accessories designed by Daniella Rich Kilstock. The evening was elegantly supported by sponsors Lorraine Schwartz, Valmont, Armand de Brignac Champagne, Naviva®, Rumor Rose, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Dinner Chairs included Simone I. Smith, Lorraine Schwartz, and Ofira Sandberg, while Elizabeth Elting and Warren Lichtenstein served as Honorary Chairs. Among the Gala Co-Chairs were Ty Hunter, Lizzie Asher, Lauren Wesley Wilson, Yelena Feuerman, and several of New York’s most influential philanthropists.

Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation

The guest list read like a who’s who of fashion, art, and entertainment, with appearances by Clive Davis, DJ Cassidy, Peter Thomas Roth, Melissa & Joe Gorga, Brooks Nader, Brock Pierce, Ubah Hassan, and Alex and Keytt Lundqvist, among many others. Each attendee received an opulent gift bag filled with products from Peter Thomas Roth, Beyoncé Perfume, Laura Geller, Grande Cosmetics, Summer Fridays, MAC, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Cecred, and Touchland, among others.

For nearly three decades, the Angel Ball has been more than just a glamorous evening — it’s a movement of hope, unity, and unwavering dedication to ending cancer. As the night concluded, it was clear that beyond the music, lights, and star power, the true magic of the evening lay in its purpose: transforming loss into love, and compassion into action.

Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation continues to fund cutting-edge cancer research, ensuring that Gabrielle’s spirit — and the dream of a cure — lives on through every donation, every discovery, and every life touched.