Angel Ball 2026 Raises $3 Million for Cancer Research

Lynda Carter, Dionne Warwick and Nicola Verses Are Honored in New York City at a glittering evening of Hollywood glamour, legendary musical performances, emotional tributes, and extraordinary generosity brought celebrities and philanthropists together for the 28th annual black-tie gala at Cipriani Wall Street.

New York City’s iconic Cipriani Wall Street became the setting for one of the season’s most meaningful philanthropic celebrations on Monday, October 19, 2026, as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research hosted its 28th Annual Angel Ball, raising an impressive $3 million to support cancer research.

The star-studded black-tie affair united distinguished figures from entertainment, fashion, business, medicine, and philanthropy for an unforgettable evening honoring three remarkable women: legendary actress and philanthropist Lynda Carter, iconic six-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Dionne Warwick, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Nicola Verses.

Hosted by acclaimed songwriter and philanthropist Denise Rich alongside her daughters, Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter, the annual celebration continued a family legacy dedicated to advancing innovative research and bringing hope to individuals and families affected by blood cancers.

Beyond the elegant gowns, celebrity appearances, and extraordinary entertainment, the evening carried a deeply personal mission. The foundation was established in memory of Denise Rich’s daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who died at just 27 after battling acute myelogenous leukemia.

Nearly three decades later, Gabrielle’s memory continues to inspire a philanthropic movement that has provided more than $47 million in research grants, supporting medical discoveries and the development of better treatment options.

The 2026 Angel Ball once again demonstrated the enormous impact possible when influential individuals unite their resources, visibility, and compassion behind a common cause.

Denise Rich Continues a Legacy of Love and Hope

For Denise Rich and her family, the Angel Ball represents something far greater than an annual fundraising event.

It is an enduring tribute to Gabrielle and a commitment to helping other families avoid the devastation of losing someone to cancer.

The foundation’s mission focuses on supporting innovative cancer research, particularly work involving leukemia, lymphoma, and related blood cancers. It has become an important source of funding for promising scientists whose research may lead to improved therapies and more effective treatments.

Inside Cipriani Wall Street, the evening reflected both the beauty of the occasion and the emotional significance of the cause.

Pink lighting illuminated the historic venue, while floral arrangements and elegant table settings created a sophisticated atmosphere.

In one of the evening’s most touching moments, Denise Rich invited guests to light candles in honor of Gabrielle and others battling cancer. As the room filled with candlelight, the symbolic gesture offered a reminder of the lives behind the foundation’s work.

The evening also included a moving personal account from Kelly Leach, who spoke about losing her husband, Todd Day, to lymphoma. Their daughter, Chloé, was born after his passing.

Her family’s experience underscored the urgency of advancing research and finding treatments that can offer patients greater hope.

Lynda Carter Honored for Her Commitment to Cancer Research

Among the evening’s most anticipated honorees was actress, singer, and philanthropist Lynda Carter, whose portrayal of Wonder Woman made her an internationally recognized cultural icon.

At 75, Carter continues to command attention not only for her enduring Hollywood legacy but also for her dedication to charitable causes and medical research.

For Carter, the fight against cancer is deeply personal.

Her husband of 37 years, attorney and businessman Robert A. Altman, died in 2021 following a battle with blood cancer. His loss strengthened her commitment to supporting medical research and advocating for breakthroughs in treatment.

During Monday’s ceremony, Carter spoke movingly about losing her husband and the unanswered questions surrounding his illness.

Her message emphasized the importance of continuing scientific investigation rather than accepting that some patients cannot be saved.

Carter has been associated with cancer research efforts involving City of Hope and the Translational Genomics Research Institute, also known as TGen, including work connected to longtime friend and scientist Dr. Jeffrey Trent.

The actress received recognition for her philanthropic dedication and efforts to advance awareness of blood cancer research.

She also brought a touch of her signature showmanship to the occasion, taking the stage to her song “Long Legged Woman.”

On the red carpet, Carter made a striking appearance in an elegant shimmering black gown, complemented by a dramatic evening coat and sparkling jewelry.

Her presence provided one of the event’s most memorable combinations of classic Hollywood glamour and heartfelt advocacy.

For an actress whose iconic television character symbolized strength and courage, the recognition carried particular significance.

Dionne Warwick and Nicola Verses Recognized for Philanthropic Contributions

Joining Carter among the evening’s distinguished honorees was legendary entertainer Dionne Warwick, whose extraordinary recording career has spanned generations.

The six-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum recording artist has long been celebrated for her unmistakable voice, timeless musical catalog, and contributions to American popular culture.

Her recognition at the Angel Ball highlighted the influence that performers can exercise far beyond the entertainment industry, using their public platforms to support charitable initiatives and raise awareness for important causes.

Also honored was entrepreneur and philanthropist Nicola “Coco” Verses, founder of the jewelry house VERSÉ.

Verses was recognized for her charitable efforts, entrepreneurial leadership, and commitment to creating a positive impact through philanthropy.

The selection of Carter, Warwick, and Verses reflected the Angel Ball’s tradition of celebrating accomplished individuals who combine professional achievement with meaningful community involvement.

The Angel Ball has long been celebrated for bringing together world-class musical talent, and the 2026 event delivered an impressive lineup of performances.

Grammy and Tony Award-nominated singer and actress Deborah Cox served as the evening’s emcee, combining her commanding stage presence with a heartfelt commitment to the foundation’s mission.

Cox also performed Whitney Houston’s inspirational anthem “The Greatest Love of All,” providing a memorable musical moment that complemented the evening’s messages of strength and hope.

International reggae superstar Shaggy brought his unmistakable Caribbean sound and energetic performance style to the celebration, while acclaimed recording artist Taylor Dayne delivered another highlight of the evening’s entertainment.

DJ M.O.S. and DJ Kiss kept the music flowing as guests filled the dance floor and celebrated the foundation’s fundraising achievements.

The combination of emotional tributes, inspiring speeches, and electrifying performances gave the evening its characteristic balance of glamour and purpose.

Hollywood, Fashion and New York Society Come Together

The guest list reflected the Angel Ball’s reputation as one of New York City’s premier philanthropic gatherings.

Among the notable attendees were Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, Kathy Hilton, Melissa and Joe Gorga, supermodel Carol Alt, television personality Erin Lichy, former NFL star Tiki Barber, and television personality Sandra Lee.

The event also welcomed Bianca Peters, Isaac Boots, Cooper Helfet, Laura Geller, celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, skincare entrepreneur Peter Thomas Roth, artist Fer Da Silva, Simone I. Smith, Ross Pino, and real estate personality Steve Gold.

Kathy Hilton served as Dinner Chair, while businesswoman Elizabeth Elting was Honorary Chair. The gala’s leadership also included Skye Hankey, Tina Knowles, Ofira Sandberg, Lorraine Schwartz, and Simone I. Smith.

With its combination of entertainment personalities, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and influential social figures, the evening demonstrated the remarkable ability of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation to unite communities around a cause that transcends professional and social boundaries.

Luxury Auctions Generate Significant Support

Fundraising took center stage as guests participated in exclusive auctions and charitable giving opportunities designed to support the foundation’s research initiatives.

Comedian and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon contributor Seth Herzog hosted the live auction, featuring luxury travel experiences, jewelry, and other sought-after packages.

Among the offerings were an extraordinary journey through Peru, jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz, a stay at Four Seasons Naviva in Mexico, and a wellness experience at the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic in Italy.

Television personality and attorney Star Jones led the evening’s paddle raise, which generated more than $340,000 in donations.

Additional charitable opportunities continued through online auctions, giving supporters beyond the ballroom an opportunity to participate.

The auctions, merchandise contributions, and charitable partnerships highlighted how luxury brands and experiences can help advance important philanthropic objectives.

While the Angel Ball is known for attracting prominent celebrities and celebrated performers, its lasting importance lies in the medical research it helps finance.

Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation has dedicated decades to identifying and supporting innovative scientists working to develop improved treatments for cancer.

The foundation places particular emphasis on promising early-career researchers, whose groundbreaking ideas may otherwise struggle to obtain financial support.

During the gala, Deborah Cox shared an example involving Dr. Scott Armstrong of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, whose leukemia research received foundation support in 2007.

Research in that field subsequently contributed to scientific advances that helped enable a recently approved leukemia treatment, illustrating the long-term impact that early funding can have.

The foundation’s broader commitment includes supporting research designed to develop more effective and less toxic approaches to cancer treatment.

With more than $47 million in grants awarded over approximately three decades, the organization continues to support scientific progress that may benefit future generations of patients.

The additional $3 million raised during the 2026 Angel Ball represents another meaningful contribution toward that mission.

As the evening concluded, the historic grandeur of Cipriani Wall Street provided a fitting backdrop for a celebration that united luxury, entertainment, and heartfelt generosity.

The performances, glamorous red-carpet appearances, and lively atmosphere offered guests an unforgettable New York experience.

Yet the most enduring moments were those that brought the foundation’s purpose into focus: Denise Rich’s tribute to her daughter, Lynda Carter’s reflections on her late husband, and the stories of families who continue to face the realities of cancer.

For the honorees, the evening recognized not only their professional achievements but also their commitment to making a difference beyond the spotlight.

For Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation, it marked another successful chapter in a mission born from profound personal loss and transformed into a lasting legacy of hope.

The 28th Annual Angel Ball proved once again that when the worlds of entertainment, business, and philanthropy come together, the results can be truly meaningful.

With $3 million raised and renewed attention directed toward cancer research, the evening demonstrated that its greatest achievement was not the glamour inside the ballroom, but the potential to improve and save lives.

And as Gabrielle’s legacy continues to inspire supporters around the world, her family’s dedication remains a powerful reminder that compassion, determination, and generosity can create lasting change.