The nonprofit organization, Delete Blood Cancer, had their 2014 Gala at the Cipriani Wall Street on May 7.
Delete Blood Cancer has registered an impressive 4.2 million potential bone marrow donors for patients suffering with blood cancer. The three co-hosts for the evening were Honorary Gala Chairman Michele Scannavini, the CEO of Coty Inc., co-founder of the Delete Blood Cancer, Katharina Harf, and actor Chris Tucker. The event also honored Evan Sohn and The Sohn Conference Foundation for their dedication for developing cutting-edge medical research to aid the cure for cancer.
The event was a packed house with guests looking glamorous as they walked across the red carpet waiting for their pictures to be taken. The guests in attendance were Jessie J, Dita Von Teese, Doutzen Kroes, Georgia May Jagger, Rachel Roy, Coco Rocha, Chris Tucker, Gigi Hadid, Kelly Bensimon, James Marshall, Angela Bellotte, Elettra Wiedemann, Julie Henderson, Anastasia Ganias, L.P, and Olivia Chantecaille. Everyone in attendance at the gala were in for a special treat because musicians Jessie J, and L.P were prepared to take center stage and perform for the audience.
Before the attendees moved to their assigned tables there was an opportunity to speak with the famous model Coco Rocha, and fashion designer, Rachel Roy about the best advice they’ve ever received. Coco Rocha said “My favorite quote in all the world is ‘It’s nice to be important, but it’s important to be nice.’ I think if you live by that you’ll go far. In this industry, you might rise very quickly and start thinking you’re worth something, but it’s humbling to remember that yes you may be important but you have to remember where you came from. Everyone deserves respect.”
Rachel Roy mentioned, “It was business advice I received from Andre Leon Tally in 2006. He said the reason that he wanted me to meet Anna Wintour and take my collection to her was because he felt that after seeing my collection it did have a strong point of view.” Teresa Moore, a fashion model turned heads wearing a black and white Tadashi gown. When asked Moore of all the different countries she has traveled to as a model which did she find most interesting? She answered, “I think I’ve probably been to 35 countries. I think going to Thailand has been amazing. I love Asia, I’ve been to Burma, Philippines. I’ve even got engaged in the Philippines. I love Asia because the culture is so rich, the natural beaches are so amazing. I think as a model traveling to different countries is a really important bonus about it. It’s a real gift.” The evening was a success and helped raise awareness about empowering people to take action to save a person’s life.
Here are some interviews from the night featuring Jessie J, Katharina Harf, and Dita von Teese:
Jessie J performed “Who You Are” and “Price Tag” for everyone.
Q: You look great who are you wearing?
Jessie J: Vivienne Westwood printed ensemble, Celine Shoes, and Jimmy Choo clutch.
Q: Your music is so inspirational like your song “Who’s Laughing Now,” what do you hope to teach young women who are listening to your music?
Jessie J: Just to be themselves, and understand that life is going to take its up’s and downs. You just have to stay true to who you are and just stay happy!
Q: What was your biggest adjustment when you started your music career?
Jessie J: Not sleeping! That was probably one of the biggest things and I thought to myself wow I can’t remember the time I just laid in and slept.
Q: So on a typical day when you’re not performing on stage are you sleeping or hanging out with friends? What do you enjoy doing on your free time?
Jessie J: I love hanging out with friends, bowling, shopping, and cooking.
Q: You mentioned earlier you love cooking lasagna.
Jessie J :Yes! I definitely consider myself a big cook! I also do most of the Christmas dinner cooking for my family.
Katharina Harf is the Co-Host/Co-Founder/Board Member of Delete Blood Cancer.
Q: What is like to be part of an organization that’s dedicated to saving people who struggle with blood cancer?
Katharina Harf: Well it’s very personal for me because we started Delete Blood Cancer because my mother needed a bone marrow transplant. So I feel like it’s a privilege for me to work in this field to continue her legacy.
Q: So you would say your mother is your greatest inspiration?
Katharina Harf: Yes, she is my biggest inspiration.
Q: So what are you dreams for the organization, what do you hope to accomplish for Delete Blood Cancer in the future?
Katharina Harf: Our biggest dream is that every patient who needs a match will find a bone marrow donor. That’s our biggest goal.
Q: What’s it like to witness when a donor and a patient meet for the first time?
Katharina Harf: It’s like witnessing a miracle. I mean it’s the most amazing thing you can imagine.
Dita von Teese is a Burlesque Dancer/Model/Costume Designer.
Q: What has been your favorite and most memorable burlesque performance you’ve done on stage?
Dita Von Teese: Oh I don’t know it’s difficult to choose, I’ve had a lot of exciting moments. I’ve had a lot of high glamour moments from performing at the Grand Palais in Paris for the Louis Vuitton store opening, to the Crazy Horse de Paris. But really for me what really does it, is when I’m performing in room full of fans that have bought tickets. Recently I just came out of my tour and had like sold out shows of 1,500 people every night in cities like Atlanta, Houston, and New Orleans. So that’s really exciting to me, it’s fun when your performing for a room full of your idols or famous people but it’s another feeling when you perform for fans.
Q: So what do you think makes a woman feel the most sexiest, is it when they’re wearing lingerie?
Dita von Teese: No, I think it’s different for every woman. What’s important is to find out what that is for you, and stick to it. Make sure to not be influenced by what everyone else says, but be willing to try new things.
-Laura Garces