The 2019 Angel Ball Kept Guests (Heidi Klum, Keke Palmer, Devon Windsor) Dancing All Night

On a rather warm fall evening on Wall Street, a who’s who of guests walked the black carpet into Cipriani Club 55 for a night of boozing, dancing, and donating in the name of one of New York’s most beloved causes—Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation. The organization threw its famously star-studded, musically-charged Angel Ball at the downtown haunt, and the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Heidi Klum, Keke Palmer, and Devon Windsor turned out in support.

With 70-foot ceilings bathed in magenta and cerulean light, the ballroom’s walls featured the foundation’s logo, a guardian angel child, splayed just above the stage. After finding their seats, guests were free to peruse the curation of art pieces on auction (with notable donations from Mr. Brainwash and Fer Da Silva) and take pictures with the gunmetal 2020 Porsche 911 on display—all while enjoying a signature, ice-stamped cocktail from evening sponsor Casa Noble Tequila. Designed by Birch Event Design, floral arrangements spilled onto the dinner tables and into the powder room (where many a selfie was taken). At each table setting, a single white candlestick was tucked into the napkin.

The festivities kicked off with a warm welcome by actress, songstress, and the evening’s emcee: Keke Palmer. “In the last three years, the FDA has approved an unprecedented 25 therapies to treat patients with blood cancers,” shared the GMA3 host. “For over two decades, Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation has led the way in the quest for cures, and their hard work is paying off.”

The organization was founded by Denise Rich after the loss of her beloved daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, 27, to a rare form of leukemia in 1996. Gabrielle was an established actress, writer, and linguist whose final wish was to establish a foundation that would find more effective, non-toxic treatment options for leukemia patients to improve prognosis and quality of life while being treated. Rich led the room in a prayer—“for those who are living with cancer, and for those we have lost.” Each guest lit their personal candles and participated in a moment of silence and remembrance.

The night continued with the presentation of the Angel Gabrielle Award for their astounding contributions to cancer research: Mark Leder, Co-CEO of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., and Amy and Brian France, co-owners of NASCAR and founders of the Luke & Meadow Foundation. The auction that followed—cell phone free, to ensure total focus on raising funds—featured a Lorraine Schwartz bangle (worn by Heidi Klum on her wedding day!) and a one-of-a-kind Angel Wing bag (featuring crystals by the thousands) designed by Nicky Hilton Rothschild for Judith Leiber.

No party would be complete without a packed dance floor; performances from Patti Labelle and Flo Rida brought all partygoers to their feet—another successful ball in the books!