The Gabrielle’s Angel Ball, held at the upscale Cipriani Wall Street, transformed into a vibrant hub of excitement and philanthropy on Monday night. Widely recognized as a high-profile charity event, the gala drew attention not just for its purpose but for the glittering personalities present. However, despite the festivities and charm of the evening, the conspicuous absence of New York’s ‘party mayor’ Eric Adams stirred curiosity among guests and media alike.
While many anticipated the mayor’s arrival, whispers filled the air indicating he would not make a cameo appearance. Those in the know were clued into his possible presence through his protégé Alisa Roever, who shared insights with gala organizers. While sources claimed that Adams had a prior commitment in Westchester, a representative later refuted the idea that he was ever set to attend. This vague yet definitive absence led attendees to speculate whether the mayor’s recent legal troubles—namely, his indictment and ongoing federal inquiry—played a role in his decision to skip this year’s high-profile gathering.
Interestingly, Adams’ absence seemed met with relief by the night’s attendees. Last year, the mayor’s presence energized the crowd, but sources suggested that this year would have brought a different reception due to the mounting political pressures surrounding him. Guests eagerly awaited dinner service, and given their discontent with the delays, one can only imagine the potential reaction that a surprise appearance from Adams might have invoked.
The gala’s energy was palpable, but it required some deft moderation. Star Jones, attending as a guest host, did her part to keep the crowd engaged and quiet, employing a little humor drawn from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ famous catchphrase. Her playful admonishment helped maintain order during the evening’s “paddle raise,” a fundraising segment.
Despite the few hiccups, the evening was ultimately a resounding success, raising nearly $3 million for cancer research. Contributions flowed generously with Elizabeth Segestrom, widow of Henry Segestrom, standing out as she dropped $300,000 on an exquisite artwork by renowned artist Enrique Cabrera. Such generosity underscored the philanthropic spirit of the event, one designed to honor the importance of fundraising in the battle against cancer.
The night was not solely focused on monetary contributions, as enjoyable personal moments unfolded. Jones took a stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about her romantic history, celebrating her husband Ricardo Lugo during their ninth anniversary. Her anecdotes not only showcased the connection between guests but also added warmth to an evening otherwise steeped in serious conversations about health and fundraising.
Celebrity presence marked the night as an array of notable figures graced the event. From media personalities like Tamron Hall to socialites and reality TV stars, the guest list read like a who’s who of contemporary fame. Each brought their unique flair, making the event not just a sensational charity affair but also a celebration of culture and social connection.
Musical highlights captured the crowd’s attention, particularly with Busta Rhymes taking to the stage. His performance delighted attendees, culminating in an energetic display that had Lorraine Schwartz, Ofira Sandberg, and Ellen von Unwerth dancing in front of the audience. Rhymes’ efforts to serenade the crowd with a nostalgic tune further elevated the spirit of unity, transcending the primary purpose of the evening and creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
As the gala drew to a close, the energy and warmth resonated with those in attendance. Even without Mayor Adams, the evening proved to be a testament to community, charity, and resilience, uniting people to rally behind a cause that affects many lives. The 2023 Angel Ball will be remembered not only for its fundraising success but also for the spirited interactions and cherished memories it created among friends, philanthropists, and advocates fighting for a brighter tomorrow in cancer research.