The non-profit organization dedicated to fighting blood cancer and blood disorders, DKMS, threw their 19th annual black-tie gala on Tuesday, October 14th at downtown Manhattan’s Cipriani Wall Street. This year’s honoree was supermodel, advocate, and entrepreneur, Coco Rocha, who’s been a passionate supporter of DKMS over the years. The coveted and highly-anticipated event raised $3.6 million in funding for the organization’s lifesaving work with the support of over 700 guests. Alongside Rocha, was a star-studded guest list including Latin Grammy-nominated artist Becky G, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, Christian Siriano, Grammy-nominated artist and actress Coco Jones, Grammy-winning artist Daniel Caesar, singer of Matchbox Twenty Rob Thomas, singer-songwriter Livingston, and more.
The evening featured a live performance by Alvin Ailey Dance Dance Company and C.C. Adcock & Curley Taylor & The Zydeco Marquis, plus a live auction hosted by comedian Mario Cantone while on-stage remarks were delivered by DKMS Global Chairman, Katharina Harf. A main focal point of the night was showcasing the moving story of Madison Adams, a 13-year old survivor of Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and her donor William Dossett, who met for the first time at the gala, on-stage for an inspiring moment of gratitude.
“It was an incredible honor to be part of last night’s gala supporting DKMS. I’ve been involved with this organization for over a decade, and witnessing their life-saving mission in action never ceases to move me. Every donor match truly feels like a miracle and a testament to the relentless commitment of the people behind this cause. My friend Katharina has long been the heartbeat of this work. Her vision, strength, and deep compassion continue to inspire everyone around her, including me. Standing beside her and supporting DKMS over the years has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life,” shared Rocha.
DKMS was founded 34 years ago by Pere Harf in honor of his late wife who lost her battle to leukemia. Since then, it has evolved into an incredible, international and multi-faceted organization registering donors in seven countries on five continents. This year’s gala united 700 supporters who are dedicated to raise awareness and crucial funds for blood cancer patients in need of a stem cell transplant. All of the funds raised go to saving patients worldwide by recruiting more donors, conducting medical research, and giving access to treatment for patients in developing countries and regions, including India and Africa.
“I am grateful to everyone who came out tonight to join my family in the fight against blood cancer. My father started DKMS in 1991 to find my mother a matching donor. EVen though she lost her battle, I know she would be so happy to know that her legacy is spreading love around the world,” shared Katharina Harf.
