UK. DKMS, one of the world’s leading non-profit organisations dedicated to fighting blood cancer, hosted a star-studded gala on Thursday evening (25 May) at London’s Natural History Museum. The event raised £1.5 million (US$1.85 million) for the DKMS charity*.
Beauty house Coty was a lead sponsor, in line with the company’s long-time commitment to the cause. Coty CEO Sue Y. Nabi served as Event Chair.
The Moodie Davitt joined more than 500 key 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 save patients worldwide by recruiting more donors and giving access to treatment and research.
Nabi commented: “We at Coty are so proud to have worked beside DKMS for over 30 years. DKMS’ science-driven mission deeply resonates with us at Coty as we aim to offer a new, innovative and simply better version of beauty. We want to give people confidence and empower them to be fearlessly kind to themselves, to others and to the world.”
The evening was notable for a virtuoso performance by Spanish opera singing legend Plácido Domingo.
The event featured a special moment when 11-year-old James Benzel from Nebraska met his lifesaving donor, Police Constable Luke Bugdol from Doncaster, South Yorkshire on stage for the first time.
David Walliams, one of TV’s biggest personalities, opened the evening together with Chairman DKMS Global Katharina Harf. Sotheby’s Chairman, UK & Ireland Lord Harry Dalmeny conducted the auction.
Other attendees included supermodel Naomi Campbell; UK Olympic gold medallist diver Tom Daley; The Power actress Alice Eve; professional basketball player Ovie Soko; SAS Who Dares Win host Jay Morton and Bvgalri Ambassador Gena West; actor Basil Eidenbenz and Princess Lilly zu Sayn Wittgenstein Berleburg.
DKMS has offices in seven countries and has registered over 11 million donors worldwide. As a result, over 100,000 DKMS donors have provided second chances at life to patients in over 60 countries. ✈
“This year’s DKMS London Gala showed how globally connected we are. The funds we raised enable us to give patients with blood cancer a second chance at life. DKMS will always be committed to continuing its mission to help as many patients as possible around the world,” said Katharina Harf. 
