Once again, UNICEF’s 12th annual Snowflake Ball, held last night at Cipriani Wall Street, proved its status as one of New York City’s most anticipated and beloved galas. “It’s always on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving,” U.S. Fund for UNICEF CEO Caryl Stern told us, saying that it made sense for the child-focused fundraiser to fall so close to a family holiday. The party consistently draws a crowd despite its history of bad luck with inclement weather. “It has rained or snowed on this night every year,” lamented cochair Gillian Miniter. But, like rain on your wedding day, isn’t that a sign of good luck? “Well, it’s an amazing night and such a great cause,” she said, “so people keep coming back.”
Octavia Spencer hosted, and this year’s honorees included Moll Anderson and Katy Perry. The program was poignant, especially when Anderson recounted her personal experiences on development trips with the organization; she closed her speech by saying through tears, “I am a warrior—for UNICEF.”
But nothing sent shock waves through the room quite like the moment that none other than Hillary Clinton made a surprise appearance to introduce Perry. Upon Clinton’s entrance, there was an eruption of applause—and seeing the room’s wide expanse of guests all rise in immediate unison was an electrifying moment not soon to be forgotten. “We need champions like Katy now more than ever,” said Clinton in her introduction. “Her passion, her energy, and, yes, her voice, ‘louder than a lion’. . . whose powerful voice reminds us that when you get knocked down, to get back up.”
It was a memorable evening. And not just because Sara Bareilles performed a stripped-down version of her hit song “Brave,” not just because Orlando Bloom and Perry melted hearts by holding hands at their dinner table all night long, and not even just because Madam Secretary made an appearance. Thanks to UNICEF’s generous patrons—as well as underwriting from Baccarat and Mariner Investment Group—the party raised just shy of $4 million.
