By: Margaux Rowan 

The Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF), founded by film producer and philanthropist Thomas Pierce, celebrated its 3rd Annual Aspen Snow Ball Gala at the St. Regis Aspen. Jay Leno hosted the benefit. The “Black Tie Fantasy” gala, “Oh The Places You’ll Go,” raised $3.5 million for pediatric cancer research. Christie Brinkley was honored with the Philanthropic Impact Achievement Award, and Rollie Jordan was posthumously honored with the Community Leadership Award. Guests included best dressed Board Member Monica Elias, Ryan Murphy’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story star Nicholas Alexander Chavez,  Reacher’s Serinda Swan, Hunter Doohan, Julieth Restrepo, Orange is the New Black’s Jackie Cruz, Glee actor Nolan Funk, James Packer, and Princess Natalya Elisabeth Davidovna Obolensky who splashed out 160K for a sculpture by Anthony James. ClinConnect, a company that connects cancer patients with clinical trials nationwide, and Velocity Black, a concierge app service, were the evening’s co-presenting sponsors. ClinConnects Founder Robert Maxwell and Lacey Nicole were among the crowd on the dance floor during Swedish pop star Zara Larsson’s concert. In the mix from LA was In the Grove Music co-founder Darren Drew, a musician and producer who wore a drop-dead black and white ensemble from Balmain. The night also featured a surprise performance by platinum recording artist Parson James.                                

Photo Courtesy: BFA

Darren Drew, Monica Elias, Vito De Janeiro, Sabrina Dimaggio 

The signature gala marked the end of five days of events known as “Aspen Snow Ball Week,” which included the Kick-Off Benefit Concert Hosted by Honorary Chair Brooke Burke with performances by Robin Thicke, and rising talents Luke K., Chloe Jane, and Alexis Silva in partnership with the Aspen Art Museum. The curated week of events began with a “pre-game” takeover at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro atop the Aspen Highlands, followed by an Educational Panel at the Wheeler Opera House. Pierce hosted The Benefactor Dinner with DJ Julia Sandstrom at Jayma Cardoso’s Snow Lodge.  The After Party and Sunday’s closing Super Bowl Party were held at the brand-new ZigZag Restaurant, owned by COSF founding board members Carly & Scott Weber.

The Snow Ball Gala raised funds for Children’s Hospital Colorado. COSF supported the pediatric cancer center to fuel sustainability for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Family Wellness Program. These funds increased the number of licensed social workers and licensed art and music therapists providing psychosocial support. Dr. Bob Casey, Director of the Wellness Program, said, “COSF has been like winning the lottery for us.”

Robert Maxwell

Snow Ball Gala Chairs and Co-Chairs included Thomas Pierce, who is also the Executive Producer of this year’s Oscar favorite The Bruiltist, starring Adrien Brody,  Scott & Carly Weber, Carla Maresca Eichler, Julianne Keil, Michael Orcutt, and Ashley Wyndham. Honorary Chairs were Christie Brinkley, Brooke Burke, and Rachel Zoe. Committee members on the scene included Peter Brant Jr., Gavin Brodin, Kelley Brodin, Janaina Devieira, Monica Elias, Bryan Fogel, McKaelyn Guidry, Courtney Ivey, Clemence Janin, Bobby Kunkle, Kasey Lemkin, Janet Mandell, Savanna Mothner, Lacy Nicole, Cami Orcutt, Koehl Robinson, Landen Saks, Katherine Schelbert, model and author Keni Silva, and jeweler Julian Polak who’s company Maison Spoiled donated the “Celestial Graduating Charm Bracelet,” which was featured in the auction. Other items were donated by photographer David Yarrow, Mr. Brianwash, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima, Versace, Delvaux, and Alice & Oliva.    

Children’s Oncology Support Fund 

The Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF) raises money for programs, development, and research for less toxic therapies for pediatric cancer patients nationwide. COSF provides grants and pledges funding to donor-dependent patient programs across the country. The organization works directly with hospitals and established non-profits to build partnerships with its core values: Transparency, Community, and Relevance. cosffoundation.org

Published by Anne C.