Thursday night, celebrities gathered at New York event space Cipriani to celebrate DKMS’ 4th Annual Gala: Linked Against Leukemia. This star-studded event, which included Eva Mendes, Kylie Minogue, Vera Wang, Whitney Port and many others, was emceed by Access Hollywood‘s Shaun Robinson.
DKMS is the world’s largest bone marrow donor center, and has over two million registered donors. According to the website, more than 20,000 DKMS donors have helped save lives by donating their bone marrow.
Island Def Jam Chairman, Antonio ‘LA’ Reid was presented with the “DKMS Linked Against Leukemia Award” by Oscar-winner Halle Berry. This award honors individuals who have helped in raising awareness on bone marrow donations and the fight against cancer. “I am extremely honored to receive the prestigious DKMS Linked Against Leukemia Award,” said Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group. “Leukemia affects thousands of people every year and kills more children in the US than any other disease. Many patients could be saved by a bone marrow transplant, but there simply aren’t enough donors to save everyone. I encourage everyone to sign up to save a life.”
Coty Inc., a global beauty leader, joined DKMS in 2006 by establishing the Coty-DKMS Linked Against Leukemia partnership. In honor of the partnership and last night’s gala, the Empire State Building was lit with red and white lights. “I’m thrilled with my partnership with Coty, a company that has such a great sense of social responsibility, in supporting DKMS in the fight against leukemia,” said Halle Berry (whose fragrances are produced by Coty).
The entertainment was provided by do-gooding rocker Bon Jovi who played a lively 5-song set including “Who Says You Can’t Go Home?,” “Livin’ On A Prayer” and a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
With no government funding, DKMS relies on donations from the public. Last night, over $1.7 million was raised, which will go directly to registering over 20,000 bone marrow donors. For more information and ways you can help, check out the DKMS website.
Photos courtesy of DKMS.