Angels Do Exist
This was my seventh time attending the Angel Ball and there’s a very simple reason I go back every single year. It’s a wonderful event for an incredibly special cause, every year I am wowed and overwhelmed by the support that comes from such a vast array of people and places. This year was no exception. The event is held at Cipriani on Wall Street in NYC, the aim was to raise $4 million dollars from the ball and the figure stands at $3.8, a remarkable achievement and so close to that final target.
The entrance to the event is always bustling with people, energy and enthusiasm. Every time I step foot onto that red carpet I look forward to seeing friends, the wonderful entertainment that is provided and the smile I wear on my face knowing that every single person in that room is there for the exact same reason, to make a difference for the better. I glanced around the room as I entered and I saw so many wonderful friends and familiar faces.
Daniel Craig donned a sharp suit, great friend, Michelle Rella, was as fabulous as usual, Nikki Haskell glided through the event with a beautiful blue gown topped with glistening pearls and Starr Jones shone in the beautiful aqua dress and fur shoulder wrap. The ball did not disappoint its’ lavish traditions there were performances from Gloria Gaynor, Kool and the Gang and hosts such as Kevin Hart, Denise Rich herself and Starr Jones.
The origin of the Angel Ball is tragic. Dear friend, Denise Rich, lost her daughter to cancer and the foundation has been named after her, now known as Gabrielle’s foundation. Every year the ball honors those who make an impact in the world of health and humanitarianism. This year the Angel Ball honored producer and humanitarian, Niki Cole, for her multiple battles against cancer and support for organizations committed to life-saving research. Also honored, the Rally Health Founder and CEO Grant Verstandig, for his online tools for people to monitor and take ownership of their health and health care Rally for Health supports several cancer-fighting organizations and promotes early screening/ detection.
Yet through tragedy and Denise’s bravery there can be a triumph, the international support and togetherness is a display of the power of how many people care about beating cancer and rallying together in order to do just that. The annual ball draws an audience of around 1,000 donors and supporters to beat cancer and find a cure. Form that money around 85 cents of every dollar earned by the ball going to leading cancer research scientists.
Another inspiring evening with a truly strong, supportive and determined group of people for a great cause has me excited to see just what more great things will come out of the Gabrielle Foundation and excited for next year’s event.
READ MORE FROM I ON THE SCENE: HERE.
