The stars came out for the 27th Annual Angel Ball to support Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, in honor of co-founder, Denise Rich’s daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who died of acute myelogenous leukemia at age 27. The ball had no shortage of supporters whose lives were touched by cancer and expressed their desire to continue the fight for research that saves lives. Rich, and her other daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter, hosted the gala, emceed by Gayle King, with honorees, including Tina Knowles, and Amy Green, featuring live performances by Ja Rule, Montego Glover, Paul Russell, and Patti LaBelle.
Rich spoke with us upon her arrival at the gala, about her unwavering passion for cancer research stemming from her daughter, and enthusiasm for all the support Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation still receives after 27 years. “She made me promise, she said that if she did not live that she would help me from the other side. And she said if she did live it would be her life’s work, and that I had to promise to start her charity,” Rich said. “We are very, very excited tonight because we’ve given away over the years, $45 million to so many researchers, and 88 cents of every dollar going to research.” Rich was especially proud of funding early researchers, one of whom began receiving funding in 2007, and this year became the head of the National Cancer Institute of America.
Honoree Tina Knowles, who recently fought breast cancer, said, “Denise has been amazing, and so diligent about raising funds, and getting the best doctors and the best researchers. I had a bout with cancer last year, and I just thank God for organizations like this. It means the world to me this year.”
Michelle Williams, who came to support Knowles said, “I am truly humbled that I know her.” “It seems like Miss Tina should get the strongest soldier award, also she’s probably tired of being the strong one. She’s resilient, and she pushes through anything that life brings her way.”
Jackie Siegel also told us, “I do come here with a heavy heart, I lost my stepson to cancer earlier this year, and more recently I lost my husband of 25 years to cancer, the father of our seven children. So this year has an even more profound meaning as far as raising awareness, raising the funds to try to and find a cure for cancer.” Siegel was also presenting Amy Green with an award that evening. “She’s a true angel, and when I heard that, it was just the icing on the cake. I’m proud of her. This is her night, and all she cares about is saving the world with the Green Foundation. Her name is Green and she’s keeping the planet green,” Siegel said.
Despite the serious nature of the cause celebrated that evening, everyone was genuinely joyful to be there, and you could feel the love in the air as guests arrived. Gayle King expressed the importance of the evening to her was, “Because of what it means to Denise. Look at what she’s done to honor her daughter. All these years later we are still here. Just look at that beautiful picture of her and you know why it’s amazing. You know, you can’t underestimate a woman’s love for her child.” It was clear that Gabrielle was watching over the event from the other side as she promised her mother.
