The 27th annual Angel Ball GALA took place on Monday, October 27th at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. It was hosted by co-founders, songwriter Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter.
The star-studded event raised over $3 million for cancer research. It honored the memory of Denise’s daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who passed away at the age of 27 from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
The Angel Ball also honored outstanding individuals who have made significant humanitarian and philanthropic contributions to cancer research. For over two decades, the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research has supported research that is transforming cancer treatment and care.
This year, the evening recognized breast cancer survivor Tina Knowles for her dedication to philanthropy and raising awareness for cancer research.
Also, Skye and Don Rufus Hankey for their unwavering commitment to philanthropy and positive societal impact through their generous contributions and Amy Green, the CEO and Founder of The Green Vision Foundation, for her leadership in anti-poaching, ocean restoration, climate change mitigation, and rainforest preservation.
The event featured appearances by Michelle Williams, Chanel Iman, Bambi Northwood Blyth, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, and Jackie Siegel who hosted the evening’s paddle raise.
This journalist conducted red carpet interviews with honorees, co-hosts, and notable guests, before the event began.
Caitlin Murray
Caitlin Murray was this year’s Mission Speaker. In an empowering moment, the content creator and influencer shared how her young son battled leukemia and is now in remission.
“It feels like such an honor to be here! I can’t believe how many legends are here tonight. I am pretty pumped to be in the same room with so many amazing people for a cause that I am incredibly passionate about.”
On the importance of this cause, she said, “I am a mother of a cancer survivor, and so, we are incredibly lucky to be on the good side of an ending (when you have a child that is diagnosed with cancer), so it’s always important to me to do whatever I can in regard to fundraising for this great cause.”
“As Mission Speaker, I hope people can laugh, dance, and have fun even if they are hurting or going through something hard, and celebrate all the small wins along the way,” she added.
Denise Rich
On the importance of this event, songwriter Denise Rich said, “The main reason is research. Cancer research is so important today, and it is saving lives. We have given away over $45 million to scientists and researchers.”
“All of the honorees tonight are all incredible philanthropists and people. They are just wonderful, and they believe in the mission so much. We’ve had the same people coming back for years and years. I think my daughter, Gabrielle, would be really smiling down,” Rich elaborated.
“The Angel Ball taught me that I’ve always believed in angels, and it’s really true. There are so many angels helping us,” she noted.
“My daughter is an angel from above, and all of them, are always here. I find it incredible how people keep coming every year because what we are doing is so important,” she acknowledged.
“We’ve given $45 million to so many researchers, and 88 cents out of every dollar goes to research. That’s why we are here,” Rich said.
Amy Green
On being honored at this year’s event, Amy Green said, “I’ve been coming to this actual GALA for years and years, and I have such a huge respect for Denise Rich and for the work that she has done.”
“From her personal tragedy, she has created this beautiful, inspiring evening with so many generous people. Some people need the support and the love because they’ve gone through the same things in life,” Green elaborated.
“When she asked me to be one of the honorees, I just felt such a heartfelt energy and I feel very honored to be among such beautiful people,” she said.
Montego Glover
On being at this event and performing, Montego Glover said, “It is the best! It’s one of my favorite events of the year.”
“This cause is important to raise awareness and to help find a cure and celebrate the lives that fought so bravely and were lost to this disease,” she said. “So, we remember and we push on.”
On being a part of “Gypsy” on Broadway, Glover said, “It was extraordinary. I think I am still processing it. ‘Gypsy’ was a once in a lifetime kind of moment. It was just incredible!”
Glover shared that she is excited to be doing the Off-Broadway show “Pen Pals” in the near future, where she will work with Paige Davis. “I will be playing Bernie, and we will have a wonderful time,” she revealed.
Gayle King
On emceeing this event, King said, “This cause is important to me because it means so much to Denise Rich. She has done so much to honor her daughter, and all of these years later, we are still here. You can’t underestimate a mother’s love for her child, ever.”
Ja Rule
“It feels great to be here; it’s going to be a great night,” Ja Rule said. “I am here tonight to support it! I hope this event inspires people to support life because it’s short.”
For young and aspiring musicians, Ja Rule said, “Stay true to yourselves!”
Regarding his definition of success, Ja Rule said, “Success is whatever your circle is, or whatever is happening in your life at the moment that is leveling you up, then that’s your success.”
Fer Da Silva
Visual artist Fer Da Silva remarked, “I’ve been supporting the foundation with my art for over eight years, and honestly, I do it with so much love and pride because I know exactly where the money goes.”
“I know the people behind the foundation, and they’re truly exceptional human beings. I believe in the power of love, and it’s such an honor for me to use my art for something that makes a real impact,” he said.
“They know I would do anything to help raise more funds for cancer research, and every year the Angel Ball just gets more and more amazing,” he noted.
“At the end of the day, cancer research is what helps us get to the root of the problem so that one day we can find the cure,” he added.
Paul Russell
On being at the Angel Ball GALA and performing, musician Paul Russell exclaimed, “It’s amazing! It is such an awesome cause, and it is a cool group of people. I’m loving it.”
On the importance of this cause, Russell said, “I have a close friend who was recently diagnosed with cancer and had to have her leg amputated. It was a crazy experience for our friend group, and it’s crazy that there are not so many treatments available out there.”
“Tonight’s event features a community of people that care about making the world a better place, and they are putting money towards things that can really save people’s lives,” Russell concluded.
To learn more about Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, visit the official website.
