Gabrielle’s 20 Year Milestone Gala
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
Although Kanye West seems to be the focus of attention these days, we can’t discredit the most recent amazing kindness that the Kardashian clan bestowed upon Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation For Cancer Research.
This wonderful organization was founded because of, and, continues to be inspired by a young, vivacious, talented and beautiful woman who lost her life at only 27 years old in 1996 to acute myelogenous leukemia. Her name was Gabrielle Rich Aouad and she had a lifetime of opportunity in her favor, from acting to champion skier to being fluent in five languages. Her determination and fight against the disease defied all odds. However, cancer can be one tough battle to beat and her final words are the cornerstone that drives the mission of the foundation, “Love defies all pain, even death.” The foundation encourages the development of more effective therapies for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and related cancers. With the grateful assistance of donations, the foundation funds innovative clinical or basic science research, which, in turn, has the ability to lead to novel therapeutic approaches that could be used in combination with or as a means of totally replacing existing effective therapies. Since its inception, Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation For Cancer Research has awarded grants topping $28 million all across the globe.
Because this year, 2016, marks 20 years of progress, the Angel Ball 2016, held on November 21st, was a magnificent celebration of sorts. Sparkles, lace and velvet made for a festive fashion touch as guests arrived at the popular celebrity catering restaurant known as Cipriani Wall Street. In that one night alone, $3.7M was raised with a sizable donation coming from Kris Jenner and the Kardashians. It was a high-profile crowd that came to unite in love and charity. Besides Kris Jenner and Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, spotted on the Red Carpet were Hugh Jackman and wife, Tommy Hilfiger and wife, Donna Karan, Montel Williams, Clive Davis, Sarah the Duchess of York, Sir Bob Geldof and many more.
The honoree of the evening was one of the members of the Foundation’s medical Advisory Board. With his knowledge, Dr. Carl June has tirelessly pioneered cancer research and is a shining example of how medical miracles are within our grasp. The Foundation is thrilled to have his expertise.
Kris Jenner feels a very strong connection to Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation For Cancer Research. She lost her ex-husband, Robert Kardashian, too soon in 2003 to esophageal cancer. Tommy Hilfiger introduced Jenner, who reminisced about her former husband at the seated dinner. “When I met Robert Kardashian, I was 17 years old, and he kind of raised me,” an emotional Jenner told the crowd. “One of the things he used to teach me and our four children was about philanthropy and about giving—and about doing it diligently, constantly, joyfully, and generously. He taught me, and them, that no matter what we do in life, he would have been very proud of us. And what you make, you give back. And you do it without saying a word because that’s what the Bible said—and we did.” The family then publicly presented a check for $250,000 for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation in Robert Sr.’s name. Although Kim was unable to attend because she had rushed to an LA Hospital hours earlier to be with her husband Kanye, she was well represented by her sisters, Khloe and Kourtney.
Sarah, Duchess of York, had the pleasure of introducing President and Co-Founder of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation For Cancer Research, Denise Rich. Rich is mom to Gabrielle as well as Grammy-nominated songwriter and philanthropist. Her daughter lives in her heart forever and on this notable evening, Denise Rich was presented with a special gift for her outstanding guidance and diligent work.
A live auction was held as part of the evening’s events, with packages up for bid that were beyond belief. Since Porsche was a major corporate sponsor of the gala, one of the items available for the bidding was a 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo. Bidding also took place on a stay at the BRANDO in Tahiti, Lorraine Schwartz 18K blackened gold and sapphire earrings and a trip to the elite SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain. Gift bags were donated by Svedka Vodka and Billionaire’s Row Champagne. The setting for the evening was done up in stylish pink and black and the room, including the place settings, looked gorgeous. It was an angel’s paradise.
Besides emotional and heartfelt tributes and speeches, entertainment livened up the night and guests found themselves enjoying out on the dance floor. Performances took place by Eurythmics legend Dave Stewart, Australian vocal powerhouses Jon Stevens & Vanessa Amorosi, CeeLo & Earth, Wind & Fire got the crowd on their feet & music by DJ Ruckus kept them on the dance floor till night’s end.
This was certainly an evening to take pride in and a definite turning point in the foundation’s 20-year history. There has been such a positive transformation in cancer research and care, promoted and assisted by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation For Cancer Research. Now more than ever, there are a greater number of survivors, and, one day very soon, cancer will lose the battle and life will become the overwhelming victor.
