Gabrielle's Angel Ball Honors Clive Davis Amidst Celebrity Tributes
Denise Rich and Deborah Cox lead tributes to the late music mogul at the annual charity gala.
The spirit of Clive Davis was honored at Denise Rich's annual Gabrielle's Angel Ball, held at Cipriani Wall Street. Rich's daughters, Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schacter, took the stage with their children to commemorate Gabrielle Rich Aouad, their late sister and aunt who passed away from leukemia thirty years prior.
Rich also paid tribute to Davis, a regular at the Angel Ball, who died earlier in the year. She added a candle to a vigil in his memory and asked guests to offer a special prayer for him. Davis had attended the ball annually with his partner, Greg Schriefer, and friends.
Singer Deborah Cox served as the evening's emcee and delivered a surprise performance of Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All," dedicating the song to Davis. An insider described Cox's hosting as gracious. Other attendees included Lorraine Schwartz, Monte and Angelina Lipman, and "The Real Housewives of New York City" star Erika Hammond, who made her Angel Ball debut.
Honoree Dionne Warwick, who has been experiencing mobility issues, sent a video message expressing her regret for not being able to attend. The event also saw a notable absence from Mayor Eric Adams. Gala chair Tina Knowles was also unable to attend, but Jay-Z's Ace of Spades champagne was reportedly abundant.
Lynda Carter delivered a spirited speech while honoring her late husband, Robert Altman, who died of a rare blood cancer in 2021. The gala raised over $3 million for cancer research, with a paddle raise bringing in over $340,000 and auction items like a Tuscan villa getaway fetching $26,000.
The evening concluded with performances by Taylor Dayne and Shaggy, followed by a set from DJs M.O.S. and Kiss. Among the notable guests were Harvey Spevak, Bianca Peters, Ronnie Madra, Charlie Walk, artist Bradley Theordore, Loree Rodkin, Laura Geller, Simone I. Smith, David Hryck, Erika Hammond, Isaac Boots, Kathy Hilton, Steve Gold, Nick Barrotta, Ofira Sandberg, Star Jones, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, Steve Dann, Tara Rudes Dann, and Nicola Verses, who was also an honoree.