Music legend Dionne Warwick, actress Lynda Carter (star of TV’s Wonder Woman) and Nicola “Coco” Verses, founder of jewelry house VERSÉ, will be honored at the 2026 Angel Ball, the signature fundraiser of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. The ball, hosted by songwriter Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter, will be held on Monday, Oct. 19 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
The black-tie fête is held annually in memory of Denise’s daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who died at the age of 27 from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox will emcee the event, which will feature a performance by two-time Grammy-winning reggae star Shaggy, along with special appearances by Star Jones, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer and more.
“Raising money for cancer research is more important than ever and we are thrilled to celebrate three outstanding honorees who continue to champion our cause,” Denise Rich said in a statement. “Since 1996, Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation has funded over $47 million in research grants to the best and brightest early career cancer scientists whose research focuses on finding better treatments, preventions and cures for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and related blood cancers. Because of their support and dedication, we are truly saving lives.”
Warwick, 85, has had 12 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including a pair of No. 1 hits: “Then Came You,” a 1974 collaboration with The Spinners, and “That’s What Friends Are For,” a 1985 collab with Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight. A five-time Grammy winner, Warwick has received several major career accolades in recent years – a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2019, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2023 and the award for musical excellence from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2024).
Since 1996, Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation has funded over $47 million in research grants to cancer scientists whose research focuses on finding better treatments, preventions and cures for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and related blood cancers. For more information, visit their website.
