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Tina Knowles and Amy Green at the 27th annual Angel Ball in NYC, photo Marsin Mogielski Marsin Mogielski There are galas in New York City but there is nothing quite like the Angel Ball. Founded by Denise Rich and co-hosted by her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter, the annual gala celebrates its 27th anniversary in 2025, to benefit Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. The Angel Foundation was first founded in 1996 in memory of her daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who died from acute myelogenous leukemia at age 27. This year’s gala honored Amy Green, philanthropist and co-founder of The Green Vision Foundation with her husband, sports team owner Gary M. Green, Sky and Don Rufus Hankey (son of Don Hankey, chairman of the Hankey Group) and Tina Knowles, widely known as Beyonce’s mother, but is also a breast cancer survivor. While Beyonce wasn’t in attendance, her daughter Blue Ivy Carter was seated at Knowles’ table. The night was hosted at Cipriani Wall Street, and the chairs of the dinner were all notable jewelry designers; Simone I. Smith, Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Sandberg. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Gary Green and Amy Green attend the 27th Annual Angel Ball at Cipriani Wall Street on October 27, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) Getty Images The event was hosted by TV personality Gayle King, who was dressed in a gown by Dennis Basso, and the star-studded red carpet featured 1990s hip hop icons like Ja Rule (who performed his famous song, “New York”) and was promoting his recently released whiskey brand Amber & Opal, Mary J. Blige, Lil Kim and Michelle Williams. The legendary soul singer Patti Labelle sang a few of her hit songs, including her hit "Lady Marmalade" and notable attendees included record producer Clive Davis, Chanel Iman and Brooks Nader, among others. In a backstage interview with Green, she spoke about how her Green Vision Foundation has worked with like-minded organizations like wildlife conservation platform Tusk, Habitat for Humanity, UNICEF, and the 100 Billion Meals Challenge. She is also a frequent gala goer and host, having hosted the annual Footprint of Life Gala, raising funds for anti-poaching efforts and climate action sustainability. Green is often spotted on the red carpet wearing green, as she uses the color to amplify her message at galas. “Green is my signature and my message; it symbolizes life, renewal, and connection to the earth,” she said. “When I wear green, it’s not just a color; it’s a conversation starter about sustainability and the importance of protecting our planet. It’s my way of visually representing the heart of the Green Vision Foundation, reminding people that glamour and giving back can walk hand in hand.” NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Jackie Siegel and Amy Green pose onstage as Gabrielle's Angel Foundation hosts Angel Ball 2025 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 27, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation) Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation Jackie Siegel, the Queen of Versailles, presented Green’s award at the Angel Ball. In her speech, Green said: “My husband and I founded the Green Vision Foundation from a shared understanding that the Earth is not simply where we live, it is a living inheritance. We owe it to our children, and to every generation that follows, to safeguard its beauty, its biodiversity, and its quiet miracles. What matters is how we love, how we protect one another, and the world we share.” Amy Green at the 27th annual Angel Ball Andrew Werner Being honored by the Angel Ball is meaningful to Green and the Green Vision Foundation. “It brings together people who care about making a difference, hearts aligned in love, generosity, and hope,” she said. “I feel a strong desire to do everything I can to protect our planet and its biodiversity for my children and for future generations. Everything in nature is connected. When you understand that connection, you realize you must do everything possible to protect it. Living and loving spherically with mindfulness, compassion, and purpose, isn’t just a way of life, it’s a calling. This honor represents that journey and reminds me that when we come together in unity and consciousness, we have the power to heal and transform the world.” Green wore a gown by Cucculelli Shaheen, with “hand-embellished designs that carry such unique storytelling energy,” she said. “When designers create gowns that make you feel something, that to me, is what fashion is all about.” NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Amy Green and Denise Rich attends as Gabrielle's Angel Foundation hosts Angel Ball 2025 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 27, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation) Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation While keeping in line with her philanthropic messaging is one part of gala style, so is leading with authenticity. “And intention,” said Green. “When you show up at a gala, your style should honor both the cause and you, a reflection of what you stand for and who you are. Whether that’s through sustainable fabrics, ethical craftsmanship, or supporting designers who give back, wear something that embodies your personal spirit and purpose. When you feel aligned inside and out, people can feel that energy.” She adds: “Confidence, kindness, and consciousness are always in fashion.” Her favorite look is simple. “Less is more; effortless elegance never goes out of style,” said Green. “I love glowing skin, soft glam, and hair that feels natural, yet polished. A meaningful accessory, like a clutch by an artisan who supports a cause, always adds depth.” NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Denise Rich, Patti LaBelle, and Ja Rule attend as Gabrielle's Angel Foundation Hosts Angel Ball 2025 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 27, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation) Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation Next up, the Green Vision Foundation continues to grow, and they’ll be hosting their Footprint of Life Gala in Aspen in spring. “My husband Gary and I are also launching SpikeStixx by CounterSpike next month, a movement dedicated to protecting people and helping them feel safe wherever they are,” said Green. Developed in the UK by British entrepreneur Mark Ackred, it’s a testing strip to detect drugs in drinks. “It’s the next step in expanding our mission, protecting the planet, yes, but also protecting one another through awareness, innovation, and compassion.” Knowles shared her gratitude for the honor, as well. Onstage, receiving her award, she said that: “I love and appreciate this gala because it is for such an important cause. Denise Rich and I have had so many deep conversations about how crucial cancer research is, and, Lord, how we prayed for a cure. We must keep fighting. Last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but thank God, it was only stage one. And after surgery, I am cancer free. I must say it is important to get your exams early.” Mayor Eric Adams closed the gala with a speech, noting that: “We have an awesome responsibility in our lifetime to find the cure for cancer, and we can do it when we come together and realize that it is a blessing to live rich, but it's a sin to die rich, so write more checks.” NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Mary J. Blige and LL Cool J attend as Gabrielle's Angel Foundation Hosts Angel Ball 2025 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 27, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation) Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
