DKMS Hosts Successful 19th Annual Gala, Raises $3.6 Million To Fight Blood Cancer

DKMS, a non-profit organization that raises funds to fight blood cancer, welcomed supporters to its 19th annual black-tie gala on Tuesday, October 14th at New York’s Cipriani Wall Street. The black-tie event raised $3.6 million in essential funding for DKMS’s lifesaving work worldwide. The evening’s honoree was supermodel, advocate, and Founder of Coco Rocha Model Camp, Coco Rocha, who has been a passionate supporter of DKMS’ vital work over the years.

The Gala featured live performances by the Alvin Ailey Student Performance Group and Cajun, Zydeco musicians C.C. Adcock and Curley Taylor and The Zydeco Marquis, who filled the room with Louisiana’s cultural heartbeat. Comedian Mario Cantone returned this year to host another thrilling live auction. Inspiring on-stage remarks were delivered by Katharina Harf, DKMS Global Chairman, and Coco Rocha.

Guests included Grammy-Nominated Artists Coco Jones and Daniel Caesar, Latin Grammy-Nominated Artist Becky G, Fashion Designers Marc Jacobs, Christian Siriano, Georgina Chapman, and Vera Wang, Model Lauren Chan, Matchbox Twenty Lead-singer Rob Thomas, Singer-Songwriter Livingston, and more.

The evening also highlighted 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 in an on-stage moment of gratitude.

Honoree Coco Rocha shared, “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.”

Katharina Harf, Global Chairman of DKMS, said “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.”

Longtime DKMS advocate and Coty CEO Sue Nabi said, “For over 30 years, Coty has been proud to support DKMS in the fight against blood cancer. Together, we’ve seen the beauty of how science and fearless kindness can save lives around the world.”

Peter Harf founded DKMS 34 years ago in honor of his wife, who lost her battle to leukemia, and it has since evolved into an international and multifaceted organization registering donors in seven countries on five continents. Leading beauty company Coty and global investors JAB have long supported the organization, helping to amplify its mission and worldwide impact.

The 19th annual gala united over 700 supporters who continue to help raise awareness and crucial funds for blood cancer patients in need of a stem cell transplant. All 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. Gala leadership included event chairs Peter Harf, Katharina Harf and Viktoria von Wulffen, and DKMS Ambassadors LP and Coco Rocha.

In addition to having over 13 million registered donors worldwide, DKMS also supports patients in countries where access to transplantation is limited. Through financial assistance, investments in medical infrastructure, and education, DKMS ensures that these patients have a fighting chance against blood cancer and blood disorders. The organization also invests in clinical trials, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art laboratory technology to improve outcomes for patients.