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Updated: August 13, 2009, 6:31 pm	Share    Print    Email

Denise Rich at Polo In Bridgehampton. Photos by John Wegorzewski

Bridgehampton - Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge 2009 at Blue Star Jets Field continued its tradition of dedicating each match to support important charitable endeavors. This week's match on Saturday, Aug. 8, the fourth in the series, was in support of Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. Denise Rich, Grammy-winning songwriter and creator of the Foundation in honor of her late daughter Gabrielle Rich Aouad hosted a special afternoon for guests of the foundation and also presented the winning team with the trophy. The day of Polo was dedicated to supporting the foundation to raise awareness for its cause. Guests watched the game form one of the exclusive private areas at Tailgate tent #11, which was generously sponsored by Donna and Roys Poyiadjis. There guests sipped champagne and snacked on hors d'oeuvres while watching the fast and furious match.

In between chukkas, Rich, always the most gracious and welcoming hostess, fussed over her guests making sure everyone was enjoying themselves and excitedly talked up her next big project, The Angel Ball 2009 slated for Oct. 20 at Cipriani Wall Street. This is always one of the hottest parties of the season and is always sold out thanks to the support of Rich's pals in the music industry who rally each year to participate.

David Horning, Orson Whitfield and Christopher Arnold in Rich's tent.

Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research was created in 1996 by Rich and her daughters and son in-law, Daniella Rich Kilstock, Ilona Rich Schachter and Philip Aouad in memory of Rich's daughter. Gabrielle lost her long and valiant struggle with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) at the young age of 27 in 1996. It was Gabrielle's wish that a foundation be created to help spare others the suffering she endured. "She was working on it right up until the day she died", Rich said sadly but with a real touch of pride in her voice.

In 1998 Rich's close friend President Bill Clinton agreed to help and assisted Rich in raising millions. Since that time scores of performers such as Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Joss Stone and others have responded to Rich's call for help with The Angel Ball. This positive response from the music world continues to thrill Rich. "Gabrielle always wanted people to have a great time with great music", she noted.

Montgomery Frazier enjoys the day.

Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research funds basic and clinical medical research in both conventional and integrative disciplines which focus on prevention, treatment and quality of life issues of leukemia, lymphoma and related cancers. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly $11 million in Medical Research Awards making Gabrielle's Angel Foundation, "We're one of the largest non-governmental sources of grant support to blood cancer researchers at top institutions around the country" said Rich.

What she is most proud of is the Foundation's funding of junior researchers who are doing cutting edge work in the search for a cure." We recognize these younger talents who are often overlooked and help them with grants to get them to the next level such as funding by the NIH", stated Rich. "We get more bang for our bucks this way", she noted proudly.

Putting on her other hat as one of the country's top songwriters and music producers, Rich waxed enthusiastically at the group of talented young songwriters handled by her company Denise Rich Songs. "One of our writers P.J. Bianco has a song on tween artist Demi Lovato's new album which is #1 on the Billboard charts, "Here We Go Again."

Francesca Esposito, Rob Morris and Paul Morin.

The Grammy-nominated songwriter has created an expansive body of work herself that embraces several musical genres and transcends cultural divides. Her songs span across generations and have been recorded by world-class artists from Mandy Moore to Aretha Franklin to Patti LaBelle. Multi-faceted and driven, Rich is recognized internationally as a serious and ardent philanthropist and entrepreneur.

Rich recently formed the NYC-based independent record label 785 Records, with which she "hopes to develop new artists and produce music of the highest quality across several genres." The label was launched in conjunction with the release of "Come Together Now," a project devised and written by Rich, Hollywood actress Sharon Stone and producers/songwriters Damon Sharpe and Mark Feist. "Come Together Now" benefitted the victims of Hurricane Katrina and was the first major all-star charity collaboration since "We Are the World."

The list of respected artists who have recorded Rich's songs is like a Who's Who of the music industry with such mega talents R&B icons Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and Mary J. Blige (their duo performance of Rich's "Don't Waste Your Time" earned a Grammy nomination), Latin pop sensation Marc Anthony, international superstar Celine Dion, legendary headliners ,Johnny Mathis and Diana Ross, art song interpreters like Duncan Sheik, and dance divas from Donna Summer to Amber.

Denise Rich with her new beau Peter Cervinka.

You can bet that a number of these artists will be front and center at The Angel Ball - if not on stage, as major artists have been known to show up and join in the singing in impromptu sets. This year Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research will honor two outstanding individuals for their commitment and dedication to the fight against cancer, retired Vice Chairman of Quick & Reilly/Fleet Securities, one of the world's largest brokerage firms, Thomas C. Quick and his sister, fellow philanthropist, Tricia Quick. The black-tie gala will take place at Cipriani Wall Street on Oct. 20 and will feature a cocktail reception, dinner and live auction, along with a star-studded line-up of performances including Estelle, Robin Thicke, British imports Blake and many more.

Gabrielle's Angel Foundation has partnered with www.charitybuzz.com for this year's silent and online auction. Bidding takes place from Oct. 7 through Oct. 29. Those unable to attend will have the opportunity to bid on all luxury goods online. Live auction items include a one-week stay at Denise Rich's private Aspen Estate. Proceeds from the silent and online auction will benefit the cancer research initiatives for which Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research is known.
Lorraine Schwartz, Inc. will serve as the evening's sponsor. Continental Airlines is the official airline of The Angel Ball. For ticket information, contact Inez Weinstein Special Events at 212-254-6677 or 212-614-0400 or email tdoolin@inezevents.com.

For more information about The Angel Ball and Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research visit www.gabriellesangels.org.